In JT-60U ELMy H-mode discharges, the detailed behaviour of giant (type I)
ELMs was measured using a heterodyne reflectometer system in order to under
stand the collapse mechanism of the pedestal structure and consequences on
the core/edge plasma. The phase signal of the reflectometer exhibits the mo
vement of the cutoff layer (density layer) due to the collapse of the pedes
tal in a density profile by an ELM. An ELM event can be classified into a p
recursor phase, collapse phase, recovery phase and a relaxation phase. A ce
rtain density layer measured near the shoulder of the pedestal moves about
7 cm inside the plasma in the collapse phase. The precursor oscillation in
a pedestal density and the relationship between the collapse of the pedesta
l structure and a D-alpha burst are also studied.