HOKKAIDO part2　北海道 その２

From the north to the south, the Teshio, Kitami, Ishikari, and Hidaka mountain ranges run through the center of Hokkaido. The Daisetsu Mountains, with Asahidake (2,291m) as its highest peak, are known as the “roof of Hokkaido”. The Ishikari, Tokachi, and Teshio Plains, as well as the Nayoro, Kamikawa, and Furano Basins, are spread throughout Hokkaido, amongst other smaller plains. It is also home to some of Japan’s most famous marshlands, such as Kushiro Marsh and Sarobetsu Plain. There are more than 14,700 rivers, the qualities of which are maintained at a good level by the constant monitoring conducted by the provincial government. Many of the water bodies have been ranked in the top five in the national BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) ranking compiled by the Ministry of the Environment. The area belongs to the Chishima and Nasu volcanic belts, where there are many beautiful caldera lakes, which have become tourist attractions. The most famous are Lake Kussharo, the largest caldera lake in Japan, Lake Mashu with its high transparency, and Lake Akan, where marimo grows.

北海道のほぼ中央部を北から南へ、天塩山地、北見山地、石狩山地、日高山脈が走っています。最高峰の旭岳（2,291m）を中心とする大雪山系は「北海道の屋根」と呼ばれています。道内各地には、石狩平野をはじめ、十勝平野、天塩平野、名寄盆地、上川盆地、富良野盆地などの平地が広がっています。また、釧路湿原やサロベツ原野など、日本を代表する湿原もあります。河川の数は14,700あまりで、道が実施している常時監視結果で良好な水質を維持しています。環境省がまとめる全国の水質測定結果（BOD）ランキングにおいても、これまで多数の水域が上位5位以内に選出されています。千島火山帯と那須火山帯に属しているため、多くの美しいカルデラ湖があり、観光名所となっています。日本一大きいカルデラ湖の屈斜路湖、透明度の高い摩周湖、マリモが生育する阿寒湖などが有名です。