■D/V CHIKYU's Mission Observation and direct sampling of the seismogenic zone Investigating the earthquake mechanism requires surveys, direct observations, samples and monitoring under the earth at the plate boundary. D/V CHIKYU, because it can drill　to the seismogenic zone, is the primary tool to obtain these crucial pieces of information. Research into life in the earth’s crust and in the sub-sea floor environment Enormous amounts of microbes, more those of the earth’s surface, live in the crust, which is a completely different biosphere than the surface. Research into these microbes in extreme environments may resolve the origin and evolution of life on Earth. Investigation of the internal structure of the earth The main objectives of D/V CHIKYU is to drill through the earth's crust and reach the mantle, where no one has ever explored before. We will open the door for direct understanding the relationship between global-scale environmental change and mantle processes. Investigation of the record and causes of global environmental change Sediment cores obtained by D/V CHIKYU are valuable records of global environmental change. Detailed analysis of such records enables the understanding of global change mechanisms and prediction of future change. If you’d like to know more, please download the leaflet.

CHIKYU HAKKEN web site introduces you to every aspect of the Deep Sea Drilling Vessel CHIKYU and science and technology for the earth exploration.