Ocean Newsletter
No.549 June 20, 2023
-
Preparing for a Nankai Trough Earthquake 〜slow earthquakes observation and monitoring project〜
KODAIRA Shuichi (Director-General, Research Institute for Marine Geodynamics, Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science (JAMSTEC))
With the diversity of Nankai Trough earthquakes gaining increased attention, in order to prepare for the next major earthquake the Nankai Trough Earthquake Extra Information service was brought into operation in 2019. To improve the accuracy and speed of information, highly sensitive and continuous monitoring of slow earthquakes and other phenomenon occurring in sea areas is necessary. In the Kumano Sea, sensors installed in boreholes carry out continuous monitoring of slow earthquakes. In addition, aiming at expanding the observation system over a wider area, in 2023, there is a plan to develop a new monitoring site in the western Nankai Trough.
-
Understanding Marine Biodiversity Through the Example of Decapod Crustaceans
KOMAI Tomoyuki (Senior Researcher/Curator, Animal Science Division, Natural History Museum and Institute, Chiba)
Taxonomy is a science that seeks to understand the earth’s biological diversity, with the recording and publication of new species being one of its important roles. Using the example of Decapod Crustaceans (shrimp and crabs), I would like to introduce actual research practices and the latest trends.
-
Underwater Robot Competition and Capacity Development
ASAKAWA Kenichi (Executive Director, Japan Underwater Robot Network (NPO) )
The development and operation of underwater robots requires knowledge and experience from a variety of fields, including mechanics, electrical engineering, information engineering, hydrodynamics, and material mechanics. It is also an attractive subject for youth education. Here I would like to introduce the current state of underwater robot competitions from the perspective of youth education.