HOMEResearch Theme
Theme A: Prediction and diagnosis of imminent global climate changeTo take measures against global warming which is progressing due to human carelessness, we need reliable prediction information on the types and probability of climate events that are expected to take place in the future. Under this theme, we are developing a system that can predict climate changes on various timescales, from El Niño over a half year to global warming over 10 years or 100 years, by making more sophisticated climate models which are tools to obtain prediction information and by incorporating atmosphere and ocean observation data into the models. Moreover, we are trying to understand the ongoing climate changes by conducting numerical experiments using this system.
Theme B: Climate change projection contributing to stabilization target settingHow much impact will the reduction of anthropogenic CO2 emissions have on the global climate? In handling such a question, we also need to take biological and chemical processes such as photosynthesis of plants into consideration. In this theme, we study global climate issues, using an" Earth system model" which is a climate model incorporating biogeochemical and chemical processes.
Theme C: Development of basic technology for risk information on climate changeThe aim of this research theme is to describe "possible future scenarios" which include probability information on climate change and weather phenomena in areas surrounding Japan by developing methods for statistical analysis and assessment. There are two types of basic information to be used for considering risks associated with global warming: one is probability information for the likely scenarios, while the other is scenarios of the strongest possible class of weather phenomena. The former is necessary for disaster prevention, the latter for disaster mitigation.
Theme D: Precise impact assessments on climate changeHow will global warming change typhoons, floods, landslides, and river flows as well as the forests and ocean? This research theme, "Precise impact assessment on climate change," aims to scientifically demonstrate the connection between global warming and natural disasters and to look 100 years into the future to see how serious it may become. For these purposes, we use two analytical methods - - - - - - In this research theme, we are carrying forward research using the above two analytical methods ("probability assessment of future impact" and "future impact assessment based on the worst-case scenario") and are actively exchanging views under the three research sub-themes:" climate change impacts on natural hazards," "climate change impacts on water resources," and" climate change impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity."
