Akiho Miyashiro

Akiho Miyashiro (都城 秋穂, Miyashiro Akiho; 30 October 1920 – 22 July 2008) was a Japanese geologist.

Akiho Miyashiro
都城秋穂
Born	(1920-10-30)30 October 1920 Okayama Prefecture, Japan
Died	22 July 2008(2008-07-22) (aged 87) Thacher Park, Albany County, New York, United States
Nationality	Japanese
Citizenship	Japan
Alma mater	Tokyo Imperial University
Known for	Ophiolite studies Paired metamorphic belts
Awards	Arthur L. Day Medal (1977) Japan Academy Prize (2002)
Scientific career
Fields	Petrology, tectonics
Institutions	University of Tokyo Columbia University New York State University

Career

Miyashiro was known for his contributions to metamorphic and igneous petrology. He also made contributions to the study of tectonics and meteorites. In the 1960s he introduced the concept of paired metamorphic belts.^[1] In 1973 Miyashiro challenged the common conceptions of ophiolites and proposed an island arc origin for the famous Troodos Ophiolite in Cyprus. This was done arguing that numerous lavas and dykes in the ophiolite had calc-alkaline chemistries.^[2]

Personal life and death

Miyashiro was a native of Okayama Prefecture. On the evening of 22 July 2008, Miyashiro visited John Boyd Thacher State Park, Albany, NY and remained there to take sunset pictures while his wife waited by the parking area. Police discovered his body at the base of a cliff on the 24th.^[3][4][5]