Solar System and Planetary Materials
The origin of the Earth, water, and life are closely related to the origin of the solar system. We are investigating the origin and early evolution of the solar system and the origins and delivery of extraterrestrial organic matter based on the analysis of meteorites and extraterrestrial materials sampled by spacecraft and based on laboratory simulation experiments.
Earth’s Materials and Interior
Understanding the past and present of the Earth in detail is essential for predicting its future. We study a variety of natural samples and experimentally synthesized materials using advanced tools such as electron microscopy, synchrotron X-ray, and neutron diffraction to understand the structure, stability, physicochemical properties, and formation mechanisms of the constituent materials (rocks and minerals) from the surface to the deepest part of the Earth.
Naoto Hirano, Akio Goto, Tsuyoshi Miyamoto
Michihiko Nakamura, Satoshi Okumura
Earthquake, Volcano, and Natural Hazards
Earth is an active planet, driving dynamic geological phenomena on its surface, such as earthquakes and volcanism. We are studying the mechanisms of earthquakes, tsunamis generated by earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. At the same time, we are also engaged in forecasting earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and hazard assessments.
Hiroyuki Nagahama, Jun Muto, Sando Sawa
Michihiko Nakamura, Satoshi Okumura
Shinji Toda, Daisuke Sugawara, Yo Fukushima, Takashi Ishizawa, Takayuki Takahashi
Paleoenvironments, Origin and Evolution of Life
The Earth is the sole habitable planet we know. Environments of the early Earth created primitive life, followed by the co-evolution of life and Earth through interactions over billions of years. We are investigating the origin and early evolution of life and the transitions of environments and life from the past, present, and future.
Takeshi Kakegawa, Yoshihiro Furukawa
Ryuji Asami, Hideko Takayanagi, Tsutomu Yamada
Earth’s Surface, Resource, and Human
The morphology of the Earth’s surface, where humans live, has been constantly changing under the forces of running water, earthquakes, eruptions, and gravity. Ore deposits from which the resources essential to our daily lives are mined record the history of the Earth. We clarify their formation processes and evolution through field surveys, experiments, numerical analysis, and sample analysis. We also study the relationships between humans, places, and the environment, as well as their interactions, using qualitative and quantitative surveys along with spatial analysis.
Kazuaki Hori, Yoshinori Otsuki, Naoya Takahashi
