RESEARCH
AND
DEVELOPMENT

Using research vessels, drifting floats, and moored systems, and by actively leveraging international frameworks, we conduct precise and efficient observations of physical and biogeochemical variability in the ocean environment, as well as exchanges of momentum, heat, and matter between the ocean and atmosphere. We also advance research through the application of state-of-the-art analytical methods.
Through these efforts, we comprehensively investigate the state of the global ocean—from the surface to the deep layers—and its interactions with the atmosphere. This work enhances our understanding of global environmental dynamics, particularly the role of ocean variability in shaping and driving changes in the Earth system.

Through the combined use of observations, numerical analysis, and modeling, and by developing new techniques for satellite and field observations and data assimilation, we comprehensively address material cycles and ecosystem dynamics encompassing not only oceans and the atmosphere but also terrestrial areas. Specifically, we focus on carbon budgets and related processes that influence environmental and climate change. We strive to understand the roles and mechanisms of human activities and natural systems affecting these processes. We also enhance our understanding of atmospheric composition changes, biological responses to ocean acidification, and environmental changes in coastal areas like the Tsugaru Strait. We generate insights contributing to environmental and climate change countermeasures and actively disseminate this information.

We contribute to understanding the dynamics of global environmental change by utilizing various numerical models, including Earth system models. We elucidate the complex nature of the Earth system, including the interactions between climate change phenomena occurring at different timescales and the roles each phenomenon plays. Furthermore, through research and development applying our understanding of Earth system mechanisms and phenomena to prediction, we tackle diverse global-scale future projections concerning Earth environmental change, including ecosystems.

Using the Arctic region—a data gap area where the effects of global warming are most pronounced—as our field, we will acquire and publish data for assessing current conditions and making future predictions. This will be achieved by leveraging observational data obtained through field observations and satellite observations based on various international projects, and by utilizing numerical calculations. This will enhance our understanding of the climate and environmental system, including interactions between the ocean, snow and ice, atmosphere, and land, and clarify the role of the Arctic in the global climate. It will also reveal the Arctic's functions that contribute to global environmental change.

Plate subduction zones, extending from the incoming oceanic plate to the back-arc region, are areas where diverse geodynamic processes occur, including devastating earthquakes and tsunamis in the forearc and back-arc regions and volcanic eruptions along island arcs. To better understand these processes, we aim to elucidate subsurface structures, seismic and volcanic activity, and their temporal variations through marine geophysical observations, making full use of research vessels and deployable seafloor geophysical instruments. Our study areas include subduction zones not only in Japan but also around the world through international research collaborations.

Earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions in marine environments can cause sudden and large-scale disasters. To understand the preparatory processes and subsequent evolution of these geological phenomena, it is essential to decipher past occurrences and the Earth’s internal processes from geological records preserved underground and on the seafloor.
We therefore investigate rocks and sediments that retain evidence of past seismic and volcanic activity, using cutting-edge geochemical and geophysical analyses to reconstruct their event histories and to elucidate the Earth’s internal processes.
Furthermore, by incorporating simulations and AI-based methods, we aim to clarify the generation and transport processes of heat, magma, and fluids within the Earth and to advance our understanding of subduction zone dynamics.

Real-time monitoring of seafloor and subsurface processes provides a better understanding of the stress state of plate tectonic boundaries such as the Nankai Trough, and of magmatic activities at offshore volcanoes in regions like Izu-Ogasawara. We are developing analysis methods that combine cutting-edge monitoring data with underground structural models to reveal the spatio-temporal variations of seismic and volcanic activity. In addition, we aim to enhance prediction methods for earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis triggered by these geodynamic events. Based on these efforts, we are constructing an integrated system encompassing real-time analysis of geodetic and geophysical data, as well as the framework for disseminating resultant information.

Research addresses the fluxes of materials and energy linking the ocean surface, the deep seafloor, and the sub-seafloor. Through interdisciplinary approaches spanning physics, chemistry, biology, and geology, a holistic understanding of interactions between the Earth’s environment and life is advanced. Integration of observational data with theoretical frameworks and numerical modeling enables robust assessment of the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic pressures on marine ecosystems. These efforts underpin a predictive understanding of ecosystem dynamics and future change.

Exploration at the frontiers of life is conducted in extreme and largely uncharted environments, including ultra-deep ocean regions and low-temperature hydrothermal systems. Advanced exploration technologies, combined with state-of-the-art genomic approaches such as meta-omics, enable the discovery and characterization of previously unknown microorganisms and ecosystems. These investigations provide new insights into the limits of life, the co-evolution of Earth and life, and previously unrecognized functions within biogeochemical cycles—expanding the boundaries of life science.

Over the approximately four-billion-year history since the emergence of life, the oceans and life have continuously interacted and co-evolved. By integrating geological records with studies of the physiological functions of extant microorganisms, key evolutionary transitions—such as the emergence of photosynthesis and the rise of multicellularity—are elucidated. Research extends beyond Earth to examine the prevalence of oceans and the origins of life across celestial bodies within the solar system. These efforts aim to distinguish universal principles from unique characteristics of oceans and life, while fostering new interdisciplinary research domains.

Biological samples and genetic resources (bio-resources) obtained through exploration are systematically examined to unlock their latent value and potential applications. Cutting-edge genome analysis and innovative screening technologies drive the identification of novel enzymes and functional capabilities unique to deep-sea organisms. This work supports the development of application platforms based on marine bio-resources, spanning microbial bio-manufacturing, environmental remediation, energy conversion, and the creation of artificial cells.

Focusing on naturally occurring materials (elements, isotopes, compounds, etc.) that form the foundation of the Earth system, we advance research and development to solve unresolved questions regarding their origin, composition, distribution, interactions, and the factors driving their spatiotemporal variations. In particular, we will conduct fundamental description of materials science in marine and terrestrial areas, along with multiple observations related to Earth and planetary sciences, to understand and predict future material dynamics. Furthermore, we will contribute to the systematization of an integrated understanding of the hydrosphere, geosphere, and biosphere, including the estimation of resource distribution and environmental impacts in collaboration with domestic and international research communities.

We aim to elucidate the formation mechanisms of submarine resources that exist in diverse compositions and forms, including mineral resources and energy resources. By taking advantage of JAMSTEC’s state-of-the-art technologies—such as geophysical exploration, physical property measurements, and various chemical analyses—we will investigate the functions of target materials and advance research and development, including the estimation of the distribution of submarine resources. Furthermore, the advanced and interdisciplinary insights and fundamental data obtained through our research will be shared with domestic and international research communities, contributing to efforts to promote the utilization of useful material functions and to address social issues.

Focusing on anthropogenic pollutants (such as microplastics) that are widely found in the ocean and impact the environment, we advance research and development aimed at clarifying their dynamics and environmental impacts. In parallel, we promote research and development that contribute to addressing the social challenge of mitigating marine pollution through the development of novel materials with low environmental impact. Through these efforts, we aim to better understand the dynamics of marine pollutants and build a more sustainable society

To identify interrelationships between changes in Earth systems and human activity, we will develop methodologies for integrating the vast amounts of data generated by JAMSTEC R&D activities, and mathematical analysis methods for efficiently processing the resulting integrated data. We will additionally endeavor to expand this initiative to encompass other relevant organizations both in Japan and overseas so as to build a frame- work for generating even more advanced and useful information.

We will develop a four-dimensional virtual earth as a large-scale data system equipped with advanced data analysis functions and capable of efficiently aggregating and managing data generated by the numerical analysis repository and other sources.

As an execution platform for the numerical analysis repository and four-dimensional virtual earth, we will build a high-speed computing system capable of handling the huge amount of information stored in the data server, connecting the system and server through a high-speed network.

We practice safe, efficient, and steady operation of Ocean Research platforms to foster the advancement of marine R&D. As part of such effort, we work on continuous furtherance of platforms’ capability and operational technology as well as measures against deterioration. We also respond to intensification of international maritime regulations and international trends concerning environmental measures. Additionally, we provide all researchers aboard our vessels and platforms with complete scientific and technical support.

We continue to build Arctic Research Vessel MIRAI II and prepare for its upcoming operation. As for Deep Sea Cruising AUV URASHIMA 8000, we implement seamless shift from development to operation. Moreover, in response to deterioration of Research Vessel YOKOSUKA―the support mother ship of URASHIMA 8000 and SHINKAI 6500, we proceed the planning of successor vessel and contribute to upkeep and enhancement of Japan's proficiency of exploring hadal deep sea.