Kyoto University Bulletin 2008-2009

Japan is threatened every year by various types of serious natural hazards, including earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons, floods, landslides, tsunami, and coastal erosion. In particular, large earthquakes and typhoons have struck Japan after World War II. In 1951, the Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI) was established for research on the mecha-nisms of natural hazards and the mitigation of disasters. Since then, the DPRI has acted as a leader in natural disaster science, promoting interdisciplinary studies in collaboration with uni-versities and institutions in Japan. The mission of the DPRI is to study natural hazards, establish integrated method-ologies for disaster reduction based on the natural and social sciences, and educate graduate students in science, engineering, and informatics. The DPRI has five research divisions, six research centers, and a division of technical affairs. In addition, 15 laboratories and observatories located in western Japan conduct experimental studies and field observations on natural hazards. To promote integrated research projects, each Division and Center belongs to one of four research groups: 'Integrated Arts and Sciences for Disaster Reduction', 'Seismic and Volcanic Hazards', 'Geohazards', and 'Amosphere-Hydrosphere Hazards'. The DPRI provides the public with scientific results and information on natural hazards and advises national and local governments on disaster prevention strategies.

Since 1990, international research cooperation has been strengthened through programs such as IDNDR (International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction). DPRI has academic exchange agreements with 24 universities and institutions, and hosts several hundred researchers each year. About 30 graduate students from abroad are studying at DPRI, and six scientists from the U.S.A. and China work as professors or assistant professors. The DPRI will play an important role in the mitigation of natural hazards as a Center of Excellence in Japan and the world, based on the scientific achievements, knowledge, facilities, and data accumulated over 56 years.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI) is to pursue methods of natural hazard reduction, establish integrated methodologies for disaster prevention based on the natural and social sciences, and also educate students in related fields. The DPRI has been performing basic research on various disaster-related themes at both the local and global scales through the natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences, as well as conducting practical projects that meet the needs of society by organizing interdisciplinary groups. The scope of research, education, and social contributions that the DPRI aims to pursue are as follows:

Research: To perform integrated research on the principles of natural hazard reduction and disaster prevention for the mitigation of local and global disasters and for the establishment of a safe and secure society. DPRI is a world leader in disaster prevention research and its practical applications.

Education: To provide an educational setting that allows students to gain the ability to harmonize with the global environment. Education is based on the large amount of accumulated knowledge kept at the DPRI and carried out in cooperation with the undergraduate and graduate schools of Kyoto University.

Social contributions: To efficiently provide society with accurate information and advice on hazards and disaster prevention and to help governments with disaster prevention strategies. DPRI contributions affect both domestic and international societies by presenting advanced knowledge and technologies worldwide.

Administration: To establish an organization that is functional and flexible in working toward educational and research goals, under the leadership of the Director.

INTEGRATED ARTS AND SCIENCES FOR DISASTER REDUCTION GROUP

This research group takes holistic approaches to effectively use state-of-the-art science and technology for disaster reduction, considering the significance of human activities during hazardous events and impacts on the socio-economic environment. Topics dealt with include societal vulnerabilities that are being amplified because of various changes in society and the natural environment measures for the improvement of societal robustness and the formation of recovery policies in the aftermath. This group focuses on long-term scientific perspectives about characteristics of multiple disasters due to social development and complexity, comprehensive diagnosis of the vulnerabilities of the modern society against hazards, and the development of technologies and methodologies for the planning and management of disaster reduction.

RESEARCH DIVISION OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT FOR SAFE AND SECURE SOCIETIES

Professors

KAWASE, Hiroshi, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),

Earthquake engineering, Urban disaster prediction, Structural control
T_ANAKA, Takeyoshi, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),

Urban planning for disaster prevention, Fire safety of built environment, Fire modeling

T_AKARA, Kaoru, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),

Flood disaster, Hydrology, Hydroinformatics, Water resources engineering, Disaster prevention technology and policy

T_ATANO, Hirokazu, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),

Infrastructure planning and management, Risk management, Regional science

Visiting Professor

ABUSTAN, Ismail bin Ph.D. (Univ. of New South Wales),

Urban hydrology, Waste water management, Physical hydraulic modeling

Associate Professors

SEKIGUCHI, Haruko, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.),

Ground motion prediction, earthquake rupture process

YAMASHIKI, Yousuke, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),

Hydrodynamics in Lakes and Estuaries, Integrated river basin management for transboundary water, Coordination of international disaster mitigation research

HATAYAMA, Michinori, D.Eng. (Tokyo Inst. of Tech.),

Spatial temporal GIS, Disaster management information system

Assistant Professor

SAYAMA, Takahiro, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),

Flood disaster, Hydrology, Rainfall-runoff modeling, Water resources engineering

With due consideration paid to the evolution of society and the experiences of past disasters, establishment of a long-term research methodology for comprehensive disaster management focusing on disaster resilient living spaces, cities, regions, and the world is addressed. Technologies for designing and planning disaster mitigation are bases of scientific analyses and predictions of multiple disaster mechanisms within the context of societal development and sophistication, along with comprehensive diagnoses of the vulnerability and risk to disasters inherent in modern society. Disaster management is developed to construct such societies keeping in mind its cultural aspects, sustainable development, safety, and comfort. Human psychological and behavioral response to disaster risk is elucidated as a function of human life and the natural and societal environments. This research section also deals with the interdependence between developing disaster processes and the socioeconomic environment in order to establish theories of disaster mitigation policies that accommodate land development and preservation of the environment, which often conflict with each other.

SAFETY CONTROL OF URBAN SPACE

To develop a methodology for the safety control of urban space and to create safe and comfortable living spaces, this research section studies risk evaluation methods of urban spaces subjected to strong ground motions and reliability design methods of urban space and built environments. The research activities are focused on improving the seismic performance of engineered residential buildings and wooden houses that are closely connected with the safety of residents. The main research topics are as follows:

1) Evaluation of seismic input to structures and urban facilities based on the regional characteristics of source, path, and sites and quantification of seismic risk for living space in relation to the seismic design policies.

2) Establishment of methods for the seismic reliability analysis and reliability-based design of buildings by considering uncertainty in structural parameters and seismic input motions,

3) Development of structural health monitoring and control systems including the damage evaluation of structures,

4) Development and promotion of new seismic designs and reinforcement methods for buildings, especially traditional wooden houses, and

5) Development of technologies for reinforcement and restoration of historical and cultural buildings.

DISASTER MITIGATION PLANNING FOR BUILT ENVIRONMENT

1) Studies on the Risks and Mitigation Measures of Potential Disasters for Built Environments including:

(a) Development of a model for predicting the behavior of post-earthquake fires in an urban area hit by a severe earthquake, risk assessment of post-earthquake fire damage, and urban planning methodology for mitigating the risk.

(b) Behavior prediction, hazard analysis and safe evacuation planning of residents' evacuation in post-earthquake fire.

(c) Disaster mitigation planning method in harmony with preservation and creation of environment and sight that deserve to historic and cultural cities.

(d) Fire behavior predictions and smoke control/evacuation safety planning of various spaces in built environment.

2) Studies on Seismic Risk Assessment in Urban Areas:

Methodologies of ground motion prediction and risk assessment for future earthquakes are developed integrating latest knowledge from geophysics, geology and earthquake engineering. Basic studies on earthquake source process, crustal structures and seismic wave propagation as well as applications are carried out.

INNOVATIVE DISASTER PREVENTION TECHNOLOGY AND POLICY RESEARCH

Developing innovative technologies such as advanced spatiotemporal modeling, computer intensive simulation analysis, and remote sensing, this research section aims at applying them to leading-edge monitoring and prediction of natural and/or human-induced disasters, as well as risk and emergency management. The analyses of interactions between social changes and hydrological cycle/water-related disasters, policy development for secure and sustainable social systems, and international disaster mitigation strategy are also research themes. The research topics include:

1) Spatiotemporal modeling of disasters for advanced prediction systems

2) Interaction process analyses between social change and hydrological cycle/water-related disasters, and policy development for secure societies

3) Computer intensive statistics and simulation analysis of extreme events for disaster mitigation planning

4) Remote sensing technologies targeting disaster monitoring and management

5) International disaster mitigation strategy for sustainable societies.

SOCIAL SYSTEMS FOR DISASTER RISK GOVERNANCE

To realize safe and secure societies, integrated disaster risk governance is a key infrastructure which supports the designing and implementing of integrated disaster risk management policies which consist of risk control and financing. An ideal disaster management system is sought through informational, organizational and economic approaches. Considering disaster risk governance and/or management, public involvement and participatory approaches to planning are also essential frameworks. The research section focuses on human behavior before/under/after disaster and aims at constructing original methodology for the efficient integrated management of disaster risk. From this perspective the current research topics are as follows:

₁₎_{Integrated
Management for Infrastructure and Logistics:}

₂₎_{Policy
Analysis of Disaster Mitigation}

₃₎_{Economics
Analysis of Disaster Risk}

₄₎_{Disaster
Risk Communication}

₅₎_{Spatial
Temporal GIS for Disaster Management}

INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH COLLABORATION FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT (by International Visiting Professors)

_{International
collaboration for exploring integrated disaster risk management involves
cooperating with innovative researchers from leading institutions around the
world in order to elucidate disaster mechanisms for various socio-cultural contexts;
to utilize the information technology in disaster mitigation; and to carry out
joint research with the young scholars from high-risk countries. This function
is served by inviting talented researchers and technicians from various countries
to our institute. This research section promotes:}

1) Global disaster research collaboration

2) Research on disaster countermeasures, focusing on practical approaches for a variety of socio-cultural environments

RESEARCH CENTER FOR DISASTER REDUCTION SYSTEMS

Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011

Tel. +81-774-38-4273, Fax. +81-774-31-8294

http://www-drs.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp

Director

KAWATA, Yoshiaki, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),

Professors

KAWATA, Yoshiaki, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://www.drs.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/staff/kawata.html

Disaster reduction systems

HAYASHI, Haruo, Ph.D. (Univ. of California),

http://www.drs.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/staff/hayashi.html,

Information system for disaster management

OKADA, Norio, D.Eng.(Kyoto Univ.), Honorius Causa (Univ. of Waterloo),

Social systems engineering, Risk management, Disaster and environmental management

Visiting Professors

TAKEDA, Fumio, B. L. (University of Tokyo),

Historical Changes of Disaster Regulation Law

_TANAKA, Atsushi, M. Sociology (University of Tokyo),

Disaster Psychology and Disaster Reduction

FANG, Liping, Ph.D (Univ. of Waterloo),

Disaster Risk Governance Framework with reference to Conflict Management

Associate Professors

YAMORI, Katsuya, Ph.D. (Osaka Univ.),

http://www.drs.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/staff/yamori/

Disaster psychology

MAKI, Norio, D. Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://www.drs.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/staff/maki/index_j.html

Disaster management, Urban planning

YOKOMATSU, Muneta, D. Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://www.drs.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/okada/japanese/index.html

Economics of natural disaster and infrastructure planning

Visiting Associate Professors

_KIKKAWA, Toshiko, D. Literature(Kyoto University),

Risk Communication and Gaming Simulation

ISHIDA, Hiroshi, D.Eng. (Tohoku Univ.),

Disaster reduction of urban earthquake

Assistant Professor

SUZUKI, Shingo, D.Info. (Kyoto Univ.)

http://www.drs.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/staff/suzuki/

Disaster estimation, Disaster information system

Developed countries like Japan are subjected to the progression of disaster vulnerability as the urban social structures to the high degree. Developing countries also face the progression of vulnerability caused by the population, the economic and the environmental problems. It is a grave concern that this vulnerability could increase the risk of catastrophic disasters. A catastrophic disaster strikes and spreads not only by an abnormal natural force but also by very human factors. Thus, an integrated disaster reduction system, both mitigation and standardized emergency management, must be promoted by establishing "Science of Implementation" as a new study area, and by conducting a series of domestic and international collaborative researches by a multi-disciplinary research team consisting of natural scientists, engineers, and social scientists.

As an organization, the research network is formed by six full-time lecturers, and international visiting lecturers, seven lectur1ers in charge of research as well as part-time lecturers and disaster researches nation-wide, and is specializing in integrated study of whole process of the 1995 Kobe earthquake.

The center carries on the task of storing and collecting documentary records from the surveys of unpredicted and sudden disasters in and out of Japan carried out by the former Research Center for Disaster Reduction Systems and Disaster Information Center. In cooperation with resource centers in all five regions of Japan, the center developed the Natural Disaster Data Base called "SAIGAI" for common use on the Internet. The Center holds public meetings on the study of catastrophic disasters, every other month. To improve the accountability of research results, the center hosts various events, such as "Regional disaster mitigation planners" meeting, "Tokai-Tonankai-Nankai Earthquake & Tsunami research meeting", "Disaster Visualization Workshop", Disaster response research meeting and comparative disaster mitigation workshop. Since 2002, Research Center for Disaster Reduction Systems (DRS) has been managing both the 21st Century COE Program entitled "Natural Disaster Science and Disaster Reduction" as well as the "Research Revolution 2002 (Special Project for Earthquake Disaster Mitigation in Urban Areas)". After the 1995 Kobe earthquake, our proposals on improved disaster management systems have been used in central and local governments. DRS also has been establishing and promoting research collaboration and cooperation with the Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution in Kobe. Also, DRS in collaboration with Research Division of Disaster Management for Safe and Secure Societies, hold an International Conference every year on Integrated Disaster Risk Management with International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Austria.

INTEGRATED DISASTER REDUCTION SYSTEMS

The research field promotes research and practice to build a safe society by reducing disaster damage. We develop a quantitative method to estimate risks of various natural hazards we face in Japan, and to evaluate vulnerability and preparedness of a society. Special attention is focused on creating an integrated risk management system to deal with unpredictable damage scenarios in an elderly and over-concentrated society. We are also doing practical research, with central and local governments, on a wide-area mutual aid network, since, many regions, both in a mountain side and at the sea coast, are expected to be isolated when the Tokai-Tonankai-Nankai earthquake occur. The goal of our study is to provide fundamentals and basic framework for comprehensive disaster reduction research.

Tsunami disaster reduction is one of our major research interests. Some major joint research projects are in progress based on the lessons obtained in the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. We serve as an international research hub for the project. Disaster reduction at private companies and risk management for man-made accidents are also within our research scope. The following are six major research targets:

1. Describing catastrophic disaster process and identifying factors that escalate damages

2. Estimating human losses and physical damage quantitatively

3. Developing countermeasures to reduce damages caused by big and complicated disasters like the Tokai-Tonankai-Nankai earthquake, and the earthquake in the Tokyo metropolitan area

4. Realizing effective disaster information flow

5. Building a crisis management system for catastrophic natural and man-made disasters

6. Tracing the recovery process of communities hit by the 1995 Kobe earthquake and the 2004 Niigataken Chuetsu earthquake

DISASTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS

A goal of this section is to carry out studies that enable effective disaster response after disasters based on the concept that disaster response is an information processing process. To establish basic theory on societal reaction after disasters, studies on theorizing societal response after disaster occurrence both from social and individual levels are also conducted. Studies in this section would be categorized into three topics such as 1) understanding of human behavior and psychological process during a disaster; 2) effective crisis management for disaster response organizations; 3) recovery and restoration of regional society as a whole. The section promotes the studies by the methods of field works and interviews, verify hypothesis by analyzing questionnaires and various statistics and building information system using simulations and GIS technology.

Followings are research topics in this section.

1. Multi-hazard Risk Assessment,

2. Hazard Mapping

3. Participatory Strategic Planning,

4. Emergency Planning

5. Disaster Information System

6. Incident Management System

7. Standardization of Emergency Operations

8. Human Resource Development System

9. Risk Communication & Education.

Cross media database for disaster reduction

DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT(DRM)

In our civilized and industrialized society, the process of a natural hazard turning into a disaster and striking human activities has become increasingly complicated. The science of disaster risk management has constantly been pursuing to accumulate systematic knowledge and technology to understand hazard-disaster transformation processes and to find better strategies for reducing disaster risks involved at global, regional, and community level. This requires more "integration-oriented research." The most challenging theme of integration-oriented research efforts is to develop "implementation knowledge and technology" through edge-cutting studies on missing theories and practices for implementation. Under this globalizing society disaster issues are becoming more and more interrelated with environmental problems and social conflicts. Thus sustainable development and citizen participation tend to come under the extending scope of integrated disaster risk management. DRM takes challenges for this interdisciplinary science which requires for an appropriate combination of various approaches such as systems engineering, micro economics, sociology and behavioral science, as well as providing a holistic framework for the promotion of the science.

In its methodological development efforts, DRM gives greater importance to proactive countermeasures such as mitigation policies, disaster insurance or fund, risk communication and social preparedness. Reactive strategies are, however, studied as important, such as the ways to recover from disaster damage.

Current research focuses are as follows:

1. Participatory disaster risk management at community and regional levels

2. Performance evaluation of infrastructures under disaster risks

3. Economic evaluation of disaster risks

4. Disaster risk communication: methods and practices

5. Mitigation policy analysis

6. Reactive strategies of disasters

7. Disaster risk governance

8. Theories of international disaster risk management

Sustainable community management under disaster and social risks

HISTORICAL DISASTER ANALYSIS

The Center continues to study the historical changes of occurrence of catastrophic disasters and their countermeasures including regulation law, construction standard and information systems based on document data and literature. After the 1995 Kobe earthquake, improvement of communication among individuals, communities and administrative organizations have been promoted through the systematic approach with questionnaires on disaster victims and development of disaster education tools such as game, card and oral history. Considering the transformation of mega-city earthquake disasters in the Tokyo metropolitan area and super-wide, compound, long-term continued damage in accompany with Tokai-Tonankai-Nankai earthquake and tsunami disasters. Following two subjects are especially essential:

1. Damage process and change of its pattern by earthquake disasters in mega-cities and super-wide area

2. History and impacts on society of catastrophic disasters and damage reduction through self and community empowerment

DRS organize "Disaster Visualization Workshop". The workshop began in 1998 and is held every two years. Goal of this workshop is shearing information about visualization challenges on disaster reduction fields. Sharing information on disaster reduction with stakeholders is essential to establish safer community. Damage of past disasters, historical change of land use were presented in this workshop.

REGIONAL DISASTER STUDIES

This special research section (mainly engaged by visiting researchers) provides research assistance to a nation-wide network community of researchers and experts in disaster reduction called "the Japan Council of Natural Disaster Sciences" (or "Nihon Saigai Kyougikai") The section primarily deals with the following: i) Development of the network of researchers engaged in natural disaster science in Japan. ii) Planning and coordination of post-disaster urgent investigation, and (iii) Promotion of regional disaster reduction information network projects. The database "SAIGAI" (meaning "disaster" in Japanese) has constantly been developed within this framework. This database intends to provide a nation-wide archiving system which collects and updates literature of disaster studies and information for disaster reduction. Different research institutes located all over Japan serve as regional information sources and keep engaged in accumulating and supplying data and information for the database "SAIGAI."

With relation to this research field, DRS has held "Regional disaster mitigation planners meeting" once a year since 1995. This meeting aims to deepen the local administration officer's understanding of urban and regional disaster management. This meeting has been contributing to the implementation of the research products that improve disaster management, the promotion of research based on field and the establishment of network between researchers and practitioners.

DISASTER INFORMATION NETWORK

Global networking of the people who are interested in holistic disaster reduction is of prime importance for DRS. In order to promote the international network of those people, it is available at DRS one visiting professorship specially reserved for those scholars and experts with foreign nationals.

He/she will be hired by Kyoto University as a visiting research scholar and appointed as a gvisiting professor of Disaster Prevention Research Institute. During his/her stay at DRS, it is his/her main mission to promote the collaborative research with DRS staff and students in the area of his/her research interest. Even though we appreciate your lectures of your expertise and interest, no teaching obligation will be imposed. The appointment will be on one year basis (even though it is renewable), with a minimum stay of three months.

If you are interested in this position, please contact

In close relationship to the activities in this research field, the center has organized an annual international symposium, "Comparative Study on Urban Earthquake Disaster Management," since 2001. The symposium contributes much to promote comparative and interdisciplinary studies on disaster risk management in the US, UK, Indonesia, Philippines, Japan, and some other nations. The symposium has also provided the center with an opportunity to present its research products in front of international audience.

NATURAL DISASTER RESOURCE DATA "SAIGAI"

Japanese research on the mitigation and reduction of natural disasters, which is at a world renowned high level, has accumulated many research results. Moreover, resources such as reports and records of disasters compiled by administrations, research organizations, and by private groups have come to an enormous amount. Regrettably, these data have been kept scattered around the country. It has been pointed out that these precious data would not be utilized in the disaster mitigation research in the future.

Under these circumstances, the Center has continued to collect and analyze historical data since the establishment of its predecessor, former Disaster Prevention Science Information Center. From 1982, it has established the database "SAIGAIKS" and has registered papers and reports owned by the former center and publications relevant to disasters. In 1989, this "SAIGAIKS" has been expanded to national bibliographical resource information database "SAIGAI" with the Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Grant-in-Aid for Publication of Scientific Research Results). At present, the building of database is continued with the cooperation of each Regional Disaster Science Information Center (Hokkaido University, Tohoku University, Saitama University, Nagoya University, and Kyushu University) and this Center as the leader. The registered data (March 2008 at present) have reached to 88,000 items. Since March 1990, search service of database "SAIGAI" has been transferred to the Super Computer Center in at Kyoto University, and can be accessed from any university joining the Inter-university Network (NI system) using a Japanese language terminal. As the rapid developments are made in the recent information and communication environment, the number of searches from personal computers is increasing, and strong requests of introducing easier search system have been expressed by users. In 1998, the Center has created a new search system available on the webpage and users are welcomed to search data freely at

http://maple.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/saigai/.

What is more, the historical disaster examples are extremely important to disaster reduction research, and this disaster information is recorded abundantly in historical documents (archives) like Japan's own "Chronicles of Japan" and "sequel of Chronicles of Japan". But to extract the contents relevant to disaster information and to decipher the vast archives is a near impossible task to general researchers. Therefore, from these historical documents, the DRS continues with the work of extracting all disaster related descriptions with the index of when and where it was written. These descriptions are also translated into modern Japanese for the convenience of modern readers.

SEISMIC AND VOLCANIC HAZARDS MITIGATION GROUP

_{Disasters caused by large earthquakes and eruptions of volcanoes in Japan bring
more severe damage to society than other natural hazards. Accurate predictions of earthquakes and
eruptions of volcanoes are very difficult, since they often have long and
irregular recurrence intervals.
However, when these events occur they can cause huge amounts of damage.
Also the events cause fear and alarm among the population, such as during long
durations of aftershock sequences or successive volcanic eruptions. The studies of this group are aimed at
clarifying the physical processes of earthquakes and volcanoes, and extending
the technical knowledge into applications that can reduce the effects of the
natural disasters on society. With
the cooperation of science and engineering researchers, the group pursues basic
investigations along with seeking
applied technologies for the built environment that protect human lives
and property.}

RESEARCH DIVISION OF EARTHQUAKE DISASTER PREVENTION

Professors

IWATA, Tomotaka, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://sms.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/iwata/Ewelcome.html

Strong motion seismology, Physics of earthquake source, Subsurface structure modeling, Theoretical and semi-empirical strong motion prediction methodology

SAWADA, Sumio, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://wwwcatfish.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/members/sawada.html

Earthquake engineering, Engineering seismology, Soil dynamics

TANAKA, Hitoshi, Ph.D. (Univ. of Canterbury),

http://sds.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ ~tanaka/

Seismic design of reinforced concrete structures, Earthquake damage evaluation of structures, Seismic response analyses of ground-building structure systems

Associate Professors

MATSUNAMI, Koji, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.),

Applied seismology, Seismic wave propagation, Seismic response of surface geology

TAKAHASHI,Yoshikazu, D.Eng.(Kyoto Univ.),

http://wwwcatfish.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~yos/Welcome.html

Seismic response and seismic design for bridge systems, Hybrid simulation, Object-oriented analysis and design

TAMURA, Shuji, D.Eng. (Tokyo Inst. of Tech.),

Geotechnical earthquake engineering, Soil-pile-structure interaction

Assistant Professors

ASANO, Kimiyuki, D.Sc.(Kyoto Univ.),

http://sms.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/k-asano/

Strong motion seismology, Earthquake source process

GOTO, Hiroyuki, D.Eng.(Kyoto Univ.),

http://wwwcatfish.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~goto/

Earthquake engineering, Engineering seismology

Theoretical and experimental studies are conducted with the aim of preventing and mitigating earthquake-induced disasters. The Strong Motion Seismology Laboratory studies earthquake source, propagation path, and site effects for strong motion prediction. The Dynamics of Foundation Structures Laboratory conducts research spanning the range from fault rupture processes to design and maintenance of civil engineering structures. Additionally, studies of the dynamic characteristics of building structures are undertaken for improving the seismic designs of buildings, including their foundations. This division consists of researchers in geophysics (Strong Motion Seismology Laboratory), civil engineering (Dynamics of Foundation Structures Laboratory), and architectural engineering (Structural Dynamics Laboratory) who cooperatively investigate broad research areas from strong motion generation to life-threatening earthquake disasters. Comprehensive research on earthquake disaster mitigation is also conducted with members in the Division of Earthquake Hazards and related fields.

STRONG MOTION SEISMOLOGY

Earthquake source, seismic wave propagation, and site effects are studied toward advanced strong ground motion prediction. Both observational and theoretical researches are carried out to elucidate strong motion characteristics and to evaluate earthquake hazards for destructive earthquakes. Research topics in this section are as follows:

1) Generation of seismic waves in earthquake source: Source inversion using strong motion records, Source characterization of heterogeneous fault rupture for inland crustal, subduction, and intraslab earthquakes, Dynamic source modeling, and Near-source and extreme ground motions controlled by earthquake faulting

2) Seismic wave propagation: Long-period ground motion characteristics, Long-period ground motion simulation, Surface geological effects on seismic ground motion, Non-linear site response, Sub-surface structure exploration using seismological techniques, and Seismic array observation

3) Strong motion prediction for scenario earthquakes: Development of theoretical and semi-empirical broadband strong motion simulation methods, Strong motion estimation for historical earthquakes, and Construction of methodology to predict strong ground motions for scenario earthquake considering seismological and active fault information

DYNAMICS OF FOUNDATION STRUCTURES

Researches in Dynamics of Foundation structure laboratory aim (1) to integrate theories and methodologies related to the earthquake disaster mechanism: seismic source characteristics, nonlinear soil structure response, nonlinear dynamic response of structure systems, underground structures, and other civil engineering structures, and; (2) to develop rational seismic design methods for those structures.

1. Engineering Seismology: Investigation of seismic source mechanisms considering the rupture dynamics, Modeling of deep and surface geology based on gravity survey, microtremors observation, and reflection survey, Development of nonlinear site response analysis considering liquefaction and/or large deformation.

2. Seismic Behavior of Structure System: Investigation of a dynamic performance of energy absorbing devices and earthquake-resistant structures, Realization of hybrid experimental systems for real scale structures, Development of seismic design method for soil-pile foundation systems.

3. Development of Innovative Structures: Elastic column accompanied with frictional damping, Development of damper to reduce sloshing for tanks, Unbonded bar reinforced concrete structure.

STRUCTURAL DYNAMICS

The main theme of this laboratory is the improvement of seismic designs of buildings, including foundations. Fundamental studies have been carried out to elucidate the dynamic characteristics of building structures with various types of foundations. The main research subjects are as follows:

Seismic design of reinforced concrete structures: Seismic performance of reinforced concrete frame structures has been studied using experiments and theory, to establish rigorous performance based designs. Especially, structural walls with eccentric openings have been studied by experiments and theories. Strut and tie models have been developed to analyze such structural walls referring to the results from FEM analyses. Also, seismic retrofitting method for structural members using polyacetal-fiber (PAF) sheets has been developed.

Seismic response of soil-pile-structure systems: Dynamic charcteristics of soil-pile-structure systems are being studied, with special attention to the effects of earth pressure acting on an embedded footing.

Evaluation of non-uniformity of subsurface layers: A new method has been developed to evaluate non-uniformity of subsurface layers. The non-uniformity is evaluated by arrival direction measurements of wave motion induced by a vertical point force.

RESEARCH DIVISION OF EARTHQUAKE HAZARDS

Professors

NAKASHIMA, Masayoshi, Ph.D. (Lehigh Univ.),

http://www.steel.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/intro/frame.html, Analysis and design of steel structures, Earthquake engineering, Experimental techniques

OSHIMAN, Naoto, D.Sc. (Tokyo Inst. of Tech.),

http://www.eqh.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~osman/,

Tectonomagnetism and physics of the earth's interior

MORI, James, Ph.D. (Columbia Univ.),

http://www.eqh.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~mori/, Earthquake source studies, Regional seismicity, Volcanic earthquakes

Associate Professors

HITAKA, Toko, D. Human Environmental Studies. (Kyushu Univ.), , Analysis and design of steel structures, Earthquake engineering

OHMI, Shiro, D.Sc. (Tohoku Univ.),

, Seismic activity, Behaviors of active faults

Assistant Professors

YOSHIMURA, Ryokei, D.Sc (Kyoto Univ.),

http://www.eqh.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~ryokei/,

Tectonomagnetism and physics of the earth's interior

MIYAZAWA, Masatoshi, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://www.eqh.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~linen/,

Seismic activity, Earthquake triggering

The Division of Earthquake Hazards is composed of three sections, Earthquake Source Mechanisms, Seismotectonics, and Earthquake Resistant Structures.

Current studies on earthquake source mechanisms, complexities in the Earth's crust, processes of tectonic strain accumulation, and geologic structures associated with active faults, contribute to basic research for understanding earthquake occurrences and help improve the long-term forecasts of future earthquakes. Considering these long-term estimates of earthquakes occurrence, it is important to improve the current construction technologies to protect lives and maintain a functioning soci ety when large earthquakes occur. In order to minimize the earthquake damage, we are working on methods to evaluate weaknesses in existing buildings, earthquake retrofit technologies, and development of safe and functional construction materials.

This division is a part of the Seismic and Volcanic Hazards Mitigation Group and maintains research with the Research Center for Earthquake Prediction on long-term evaluations of earthquakes, with the Sakurajima Volcano Research Center on regional crustal studies which include volcanoes, and with the Division of Earthquake Disaster Prevention on building damage in urban areas.

EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT STRUCTURES

The research of this section concentrates on improving the seismic safety of buildings by examining the earthquake response characteristics and collapse behavior of structures, using both experimental and analytical approaches. Ongoing areas of investigation are as follows.

Mechanical Properties of Structural Members and Frames

Studies are done on the safety limits of steel structures subjected to extremely large deformations. The behavior of column bases and their effects on collapse are examined and the deformation capacity and failure mechanism of composite floor slabs are studied.

Simulation of Earthquake Responses of Structures

Hybrid tests are carried out using combined quasi-static tests and numerical analyses. These include, substructuring hybrid tests for simulation of large structural systems and real-time hybrid testing.

Advancement of Seismic Design Methodologies

Seismic retrofit techniques in coordinated design-construction and seismic design of structures using passive damping devices are included in the analyses.

SEISMOTECTONICS

Using methods from a variety of geophysical fields, such as geoelectromagnetism, geodesy and seismology, inhomogenities in the earth's crust, earthquake source mechanisms, and earthquake preparation processes are investigated to improve the understanding and evaluation of long-term earthquake occurrences. In particular, studies are conducted to investigate the heterogeneous structures in the regions of the subduction plate boundary and the lower crust of inland areas. The results of these studies help clarify the regional stress accumulation process. Recent investigations include

1) Studies of crustal heterogeneity around earthquake source

regions and active faults to improve long-term evaluations

of earthquake occurrence

2) Studies of the regional and global conductivity structure of

the Earth's interior

3) Studies of the recovery process of the Nojima fault following the Kobe earthquake, using water injection experiments.

EARTHQUAKE SOURCE MECHANISMS

This section studies physical processes of earthquakes to gain a better understanding of earthquake damage and to contribute efforts in earthquake prediction.

Fault Monitoring

The Yamazaki fault in Hyogo prefecture has a high potential for a large damaging earthquake. Here we maintain seismic and crustal deformation instruments to study the current level of earthquakes, along with observations using hydrophones and measurements of pressure and temperature in wells.

Earthquake Triggering

We study triggering of small earthquakes caused by the passage of seismic waves from distant large earthquakes. Such induced seismicity is often seen across Japan and these studies provide better understanding of mechanisms that cause earthquake occurrences.

Realtime Earthquake Information and Earthquake Damage

We work on systems that quickly provide information about large earthquakes. For Early Warning applications, new algorithms are tested which analyze seismograms in a few seconds and give advance warnings of strong shaking.

RESEARCH CENTER FOR EARTHQUAKE

PREDICTION

Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011
Tel. +81-774-38-4194

http://www.rcep.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/main/HomeJ.html

Director

KAWASAKI, Ichiro, D.Sc. (Univ. of Tokyo)

Professors

KAWASAKI, Ichiro, D.Sc. (Univ. of Tokyo),

http://www.rcep.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~kawasaki/,

Slow and silent earthquakes, Earthquake prediction, Large- scale anisotropy

HASHIMOTO, Manabu, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://www.rcep.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~hasimoto/Manabu/Index.html, Seismotectonics and numerical simulation of crustal activity

IIO, Yoshihisa, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://www.rcep.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/ members/iio/,

Study of earthquake prediction, Physics of earthquake source

NISHIGAMI, Kin-ya, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://www.rcep.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~nishigam/,

Seismotectonics, Crustal structure

Visiting Professor

HEKI, Kosuke, D.Sc. (Univ. of Tokyo),

http://www.ep.sci.hokudai.ac.jp /^~heki/, Space geodesy for geodynamic, planetary, atmospheric and hydrological sciences

Associate Professors

SHIBUTANI, Takuo, D.Sc (Kyoto Univ.),

http://www.rcep.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/members/~shibutan/,

Crustal and mantlestructure, Seismotectonics

FUKAHATA, Yukitoshi, D.Sc. (Univ. of Tokyo),

http://www.rcep.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~fukahata/,

Active Tectonics, Inversion analysis, Viscoelastic deformation

TAKEUCHI, Fumiaki, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://www.rcep.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~takeuchi/,

Crustal structure, Earthquake observation

YANAGIDANI, Takashi, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://www.rcep.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~yasan/,

Experimental rock mechanics research

KATAO, Hiroshi, D.Sc. (Univ. of Tokyo),

http://www.rcep.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~katao/, Seismotectonics, Crustal structure and ocean bottom observations

Assistant Professors

XU, Peiliang, Ph.D. (Wuhan Tech.Univ.Surv.Map.),

http://www.rcep.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/members/xu/,

Geodesy, Inverse problem theory and earthquake statistics

FUKISHIMA, Yo, Ph.D. (Université Blaise Pascal),

http://www.rcep.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/members,

Remote sensing geodesy

OHYA, Fumio, , Observational studies of crustal movements and data processing

KANO, Yasuyuki, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://www.rcep.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~kano/,

Seismology and earthquake hydrology

MORII, Wataru, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://www.rcep.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/members/morii/,

Observational studies of crustal movements and seismic waves, Seismic data processing

KONOMI, Tadashi,

http://www.rcep.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/members/konomi/,

Observational studies of seismic activity

TERAISHI, Masahiro, ,

http://www.rcep.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/members/teraishi/,

Observational studies of crustal movements

The Research Center for Earthquake Prediction (RCEP) carries out many aspects of seismic research related to earthquake sources, seismic velocity structures, distributions of earthquakes in southwest Japan, and laboratory investigations. These studies contribute to the long-term goals of earthquake prediction and mitigating earthquake damage.

The RCEP has 7 research laboratories and 8 observatories. These sections cooperate with other sections of the Group for Seismic and Volcanic Hazard Mitigation, especially with the Division of Earthquake Hazard, in research and observational activities. The Center is also involved in collaborative projects with other universities. The Laboratory for Subduction Zone Earthquakes and the Laboratory for Inland Earthquakes are both involved with theoretical and observational studies on the respective types of earthquakes. The Laboratory for Crustal Activity Evaluation also researches seismicity, crustal movements and tectonics to understanding these earthquake occurrences. In the Laboratory for Earth Observation Systems and the Laboratory for Integrated Real-time Systems, various data of geophysical observations are processed and analyzed to investigate possible precursory phenomena to earthquakes and other related seismic studies. The Laboratory for Crustal Activity Information focuses on the informatics for earthquake prediction. The Laboratory for the Earth's Interior is a laboratory with a visiting researcher.

CRUSTAL ACTIVITY EVALUATION

Crustal activity is associated with geophysical and geodynamical processes of the Earth. We are responsible to detect, analyze and interpret the crustal activity by integrating a variety of instruments and methods (e.g., broadband seismometers, extensometers, tiltmeters and GPS), in particular, to understand the mechanism of earthquakes and finally for earthquake prediction. We also strive to develop new instruments and new methods to accurately detect and map crustal activity. One of important topics at present is to detect and map slow and silent events in crust and upper mantles, which can span from hours and/or days to months and/or years.

Extensometers for continuous observation of crustal strains of an order of 10^-9 in the vault of Abuyama Observatory (Takatsuki, Osaka Pref.).

Multi-orbit surface waves generated by the great Sumatra earthquake (Dec 26, 2004, Mw9.0) on the strain seismograph at Amagase Observatory (Uji, Kyoto Pref.).

SUBDUCTION ZONE EARTHQUAKES

Modeling of the Generation Process of Subduction Zone Earthquake

In order to promote the research on forecast of subduction zone earthquakes which recur along the Nankai trough, studies of accumulation process of stress and strain in their source region using seismic and geodetic observations have been conducted. Besides, the estimation and modeling of detailed structure around the plate boundary by means of seismic explorations have been done. The development of evaluation method of strain energy build-up process on the basis of the above results is our goal. Case studies on great earthquakes such as the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake are also made.

The main themes of this division are as follows:

1) Study of crustal deformations along the Nankai trough with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), GPS etc.,

2) Estimate of interplate coupling based on the results of crustal deformation observations,

3) Study of temporal variation in crustal deformations with extensometers and tiltmeters,

4) Study of seismic velocity structure around the northern edge of the Philippine Sea plate with seismic exploration,

5) Geodetic studies of great earthquakes in the world with SAR and GPS

INLAND EARTHQUAKES

It is well known that seismic activities in the intraplate region in southwest Japan become high before a great plate boundary thrust earthquake along the Nankai trough. In order to reduce disasters by these intraplate earthquakes, we conduct researches to clarify the process by which intraplate earthquakes are generated, which is not well known at present, and to develop a new method of forecasting the occurrence of intraplate earthquakes. Major research topics are as follows.

‡@Stress accumulation process on intraplate earthquake faults resulting from heterogeneities in the lower crust

‡AOrigin of the anomalous seismic activities and strain rates in the central Kinki district

‡BDynamics and earthquake generation process in the Niigata-Kobe tectonic zone

‡CAnelastic deformation in the upper crust

Development of a new method to infer precise locations of earthquake faults, and hypocenters and asperities of large earthquakes.

CRUSTAL ACTIVITY INFORMATION

Database has been constructed for seismic activity, crustal movement, and other geophysical observations, with exchanging seismic data with other universities and national research agencies. Information for crustal activity and long-term earthquake prediction has been assessed based on the researches using this database; seismicity in southwest Japan, structural properties in the earthquake source area, space-time variation of earthquake generating properties. Basic surveys of tectonic structures and active faults have been planned and executed.

EARTH OBSERVATION SYSTEMS

Development of observations and measurements in boreholes:

Developments of new experimental methods in the field and laboratory are being carried out. New methods applicable in boreholes near active faults, such as the Nojima fault, are being used to record and analysis various data, associated with earthquake occurrences, to clarify the preparation process of earthquakes.

The recent themes of this division are as follows:

1) Broadband hydroseismograms (pore pressure) monitoring by closed borehole wells to see the change of rock stress due to barometric pressure, earth tide, free oscillation and seismic events.

2) Monitoring AE events using hydrophone in to the borehole at active fault zone.

INTEGRATED REAL-TIME SYSTEMS

Monitoring of seismic process and seismic activity with integrated observations:

In situ and real-time observations of current crustal phenomena using various geophysical methods are carried out at the specified local area. Observation instruments are deployed temporarily, but with density higher than that of permanent observation networks for precise analyses. The main research subjects are as follows:

1) Urgent observation for aftershocks of the large earthquakes

2) Crustal structure survey using the artificial seismic sources

3) The temporal observations with the dense seismic network in the specified local regions

4) The temporal and/or periodical observations on geodetic, gravitational and geoelecto-magnetical methods in the specified local regions

EARTH'S INTERIOR

Studies of characteristics of the crust and mantle:

Studies on the mechanical and chemical characteristics of material in the crust and mantle are carried out to refine knowledge of the seismogenic environment. Also studies on the deformation and stress accumulation process at the subduction zone and the inland area. Risk evaluation on the super-great earthquake is also included.

KAMITAKARA OBSERVATORY

2296-2 Hongo Kamitakara Takayama, Gifu 506-1317

Tel. +81-578-86-2350

This observatory was established in 1965 to pursue the observation of crustal movements and seismic activities. The Observatory is located in the north-western Chubu region, close to the Atotsugawa fault, one of the major active faults, and the only fault in Japan which may be creeping. In order to investigate the relation between crustal movements and seismicity, the observatory has a network consisting of five stations for detecting crustal movements and nine seismographic stations. Seismic and geophysical data recorded at these stations are telemetered to both the Observatory and the Research Center for Earthquake Prediction.

The observations now being made are:

1. The continuous observation of crustal movements: Secular and tidal crustal strains and tilts are routinely observed at the main observation station with 3 quartz-tube strainmeters, 2 water tube, and 2 horizontal pendulum tiltmeters. Strains and tilts are also monitored from 3 other stations.

2. Seismic observations: Seismicity in the Northern Hida, Toyama Bay, and Noto Peninsula regions, particularly along the Atotsugawa fault and the Hida mountain range, is constantly monitored at 9 stations with high sensitive short-period seismometers, together with 8 other stations linked with the stations of Nagoya University and the University of Tokyo. In addition, temporary stations have been set up in the Noto Peninsula and near Yakedake volcano to monitor the recent high level seismic activity. There are also 3 strain seismographs and 3 broadband digital seismographs at the main station to record teleseismic body and surface waves.

3. Geomagnetic and geoelectric observations: Geomagnetic observations are made by a proton-magnetometer at two sites. Geoelectric self-potentials are monitored at three sites near the Atotsugawa fault.

HOKURIKU OBSERVATORY

29 Shimo-Kitayama, 88 Shimo-Shinjo, Sabae, Fukui 916-0034, JAPAN

Tel. +81-778-52-2494

This observatory was established in 1970 to observe microearthquake activity in the Hokuriku district, an area extending over Fukui, Ishikawa, Gifu, and Shiga Prefectures. The area has many active faults and a history of large earthquakes, particularly in Fukui Prefecture in which this observatory is located.

The observatory has six sub-stations for micro-seismicity. Observational data are telemetered to RCEP in the Uji campus, and they are recorded, processed, and analyzed together with the wave data from all other observatories in RCEP and also from other universities and national research agencies.

The observatory has an observation tunnel with a total length of ~560 m in which many kinds of observations are carried out with equipments including wide band and high dynamic-range seismometers, extensometers, tiltmeters, and self-potential meters.

ABUYAMA OBSERVATORY

944Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1041

Tel. +81-72-694-8848

With seismological observations and the development of a prototype seismometric apparatus as its main functions, this observatory on Mt. Abuyama in Osaka Prefecture was opened in October 1930 with assistance from Hara Fund.

Registered as an international seismological observation station, the observatory provides important data concerning the nature of earthquakes and the propagation of seismic waves, and it makes comprehensive studies of problems relating to both world-wide seismic activity and the Earth's interior.

The observatory is equipped with five kinds of instruments for worldwide observations, and two kinds of instruments that enable it to function as a microearthquake observation sub-station. To avoid background noises, some equipment of high sensitivity, together with sensors for ground tilt and strain, are set up in a deep vault excavated in 1971.

TOTTORI OBSERVATORY

1-286-2Kitazonoi, Tottori 680-0004

Tel. +81-857-29-0949

The Tottori Microearthquake Observatory was established in 1964 in conformity with the Earthquake Prediction Project of Japan, and it was renamed the Tottori Observatory at the time the Research Center for Earthquake Prediction was established in 1990. This observatory has 9 sub-stations, all equipped with high-sensitivity and short-period seismographs of three components. Observational data at the sub-stations are gathered at the observatory, and then at the Research Center for Earthquake Prediction in Uji City by using a telemetering system.

In addition to the above, special research activities are as follows. Broadband seismic observation: Three components of the STS-1 type broadband seismographs have been installed in the Tottori Observatory since 1988. Digital waveform data are used to investigate source mechanisms, crustal structures and so forth. Geomagnetic and telluric current observations: Geomagnetic total intensities have been continuously measured using a proton precession magnetometer since 1968 to investigate tectonomagnetism around the Tottori Observatory. This observatory is often referred to as the reference station for magnetic surveys carried out in the Chugoku districts. In addition, three components of the geomagnetic field and two components of telluric currents have been continuously observed in order to investigate temporal changes of electrical conductivity around the Tottori Observatory. Groundwater observation: Observations of groundwater are made at many hot springs in the San'in area in order to identify anomalous changes of groundwater related to earthquake occurrence.

DONZURUBO OBSERVATORY

3280Anamushi Kashiba, Nara 639-0252

Tel. +81-745-77-7345

The observatory was established in 1967, as part of the Research Project for Earthquake Prediction in Japan, for the purpose of investigating relations between crustal movements and earthquake occurrence and of finding some clues towards earthquake prediction. The observatory consists of two parts, a main building and an observation vault.

The main subjects now being studied are as follows:

1. Continuous observation of crustal movements: The continuous observation of crustal strains and tilts is being carried out in the observation vault with three silica-tube extensometers, seven superinvarbar extensometers, and ten horizontal pendulum, and two water-tube, tiltmeters.

2. Geodetic measurements: Electro-optical distance measurements are repeated for a base-line net founded in the neighborhood of the observatory for the purpose of investigating horizontal strain accumulations and comparing the results of observations with extensometers in the observation vault.

3. Seismic observation: Observations of seismic activities are being conducted in the observation vault with high sensitivity seismographs.

4. The synthetic investigation of methods for earthquake prediction: Attempts at determining relations between crustal movements, seismic activities, and earthquake occurrence, and investigations into earthquake prediction indicators, are being made through the results of the various observations and measurements mentioned above.

5. The development of observation instruments and data processing systems: The development of new instruments for telemetering crustal movements and of high-speed data processing systems for the detailed analysis and automated data processing of geophysical data is being pursued.

OSAKAYAMA OBSERVATORY

1 Osaka Otsu, Shiga 520-0054

Tel. +81-77-524-0272

Osakayama Observatory was first founded in April 1970 by the Faculty of Science for the purpose of observing crustal movements, and then, at the time of the establishment of the Research Center for Earthquake Prediction in 1990, it was transferred to the Disaster Prevention Research Institute. Studies are being made of Earth tides and the relation between crustal movements and occurrence of earthquakes.

The observatory has two parallel main tunnels, each 670m long, and two branch tunnels in which strain-meters, strain seismographs and tiltmeters are installed. The two main tunnels, completed for railway use in 1880, have been used for the continuous observation of Earth tides and earthquake prediction study since shortly after the end of World War II. In 1975 a building for recording and tunnel management was constructed at the entrance to the facility. Crustal movements are continuously monitored as fundamental observations with three strainmeters, two tiltmeters of the horizontal pendulum type and two tiltmeters of the water-tube type. Observations are also conducted with a water gauge (to measure the change of underground water table), electromagnetic long-period seismographs, and strain seismographs. In addition, experimental observations of crustal movements are performed continuously with more than ten strainmeters and tiltmeters. Almost all the output of these instruments are recorded on pen-recorders, digital printers, and magnetic tapes in the building, and several components of these data, including fundamental observations, are telemetered over to the Institute for cumulative recording and processing.

TOKUSHIMA OBSERVATORY

2642-3Ishii Ishii-cho Myozai, Tokushima 779-3233

Tel. +81-88-637-4013

The observatory was founded in 1972 as one of the facilities proposed in the Earthquake Prediction Research Project. Situated on the Median Tectonic Line, the observatory maintains a highly sensitive seismic observation network to study microearthquake activity related to the tectonic line and also to the next large Nankai earthquake.
The spatial and temporal distribution of microearthquakes has been routinely analyzed by passing the online data through an automatic processing system to determine anomalous seismicity prior to large earthquakes. This data also enables the study of fine structures of the crust and upper mantle.

MIYAZAKI OBSERVATORY

3884 Kaeda, Miyazaki 889-2161

Tel. +81-985-65-1161

The observatory was established in 1974, as part of the Research Project for Earthquake Prediction in Japan, for the purpose of investigating relations between crustal movements and the occurrence of major earthquakes mainly in the Hyuganada, and for the purpose of identifying earthquake prediction indicators. The observatory is located at Kaeda, about 10km south of Miyazaki City, and consists of two parts, a main building and an observation vault. The main subjects now being studied are as follows:

1. Continuous observation of crustal movements: Continuous observations of crustal strains and tilts are being carried out by an observational network composed of seven stations around the Hyuganada region. The stations are equipped with extensometers, horizontal pendulum tiltmeters, and two water-tube tiltmeters.

2. Geodetic measurements: Repeated electro-optical distance measurements in radial networks and continuous precise positioning by GPS in a complex rhombus network are executed in the Miyazaki prefecture to investigate horizontal strain accumulation.

3. Seismic observation: Observations of seismic activities are being conducted in the observation vaults with high sensitivity seismographs. The synthetic investigation of methods for earthquake prediction: The establishment of relations between crustal movements, seismic activities, and the occurrence of major earthquakes, and the investigation of earthquake prediction indicators, are proceeding through the results of the various observations and measurements mentioned above.

SAKURAJIMA VOLCANO RESEARCH CENTER

(SAKURAJIMA VOLCANOLOGICAL OBSERVATORY)

1722-19 Yokoyama -cho, Sakurajima, Kagosima 891-1419

Tel. +81-99-293-2058

Director

OSHIMAN, Naoto, D.Sc. (Tokyo Inst. of Tech.)

Professor

ISHIHARA, Kazuhiro, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.),

Magma storage and eruption mechanism

Associate Professor

IGUCHI, Masato, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.),

Volcano geophysics

Assistant Professors

MIKI, Daisuke, M.Sc. (Toyama Univ.),

, Paleo-magnetism

YAMAMOTO, Keigo, D.Sc. (Univ. of Tokyo),

, Volcanic ground

deformation

KANDA, Wataru, D.Sc. (Univ. of Tokyo),

, Electromagnetism

TAMEGURI, Takeshi, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.),

, Volcano seismology

Sakurajima Volcano Research Center (SVRC) was reorganized from the Sakurajima Volcanological Observatory (SVO) which was installed in 1960 after the beginning of explosive activity at the summit crater of Sakurajima volcano, the most active volcano in Japan, for study on practical prediction of volcanic eruption. The purpose of the SVRC extends to the promotion of observational and experimental volcanology at Sakurajima volcano as the national field observation base. SVRC has conducted continuous observations and field surveys not only at Sakurajima but also the Satsuma-Iwojima, Kuchinoerabujima and Suwaonsejima volcanoes, along the Kirishima volcano belt-zone, regarding the volcanoes as field laboratory. As the SVRC composed of the single research field of the Prediction of volcanic eruption, collaboration among other universities and national research institutes have been strongly promoted under the 7^th National Project of Prediction of Volcanic Eruptions and the Collaboration Studies of Disaster Prevention Research Institute. In addition, comparative studies of eruption mechanisms of island-arc volcanoes are under international collaboration with Indonesia. The SVO was established by social demand for countermeasures against volcanic hazards caused by the Sakurajima volcano. The original purpose of the SVO was succeeded to the SVRC and the necessity has rather increased due to the recent increase in volcanic activity.

GEOHAZARDS GROUP

Soil liquefaction, ground settlements, slope failures, landslides, erosion, and related phenomena are studied to identify the distribution, processes, mechanisms, and history contributing to hazards, and for establishing the methods for prediction and mitigation of disasters. These investigations incorporate combined process-based and modeling approaches related mountain, hillside and lowland hazards in urban region. Integrated studies on landslides are performed with respect to the mechanism of initiation and motion, risk evaluation and disaster reduction, and developments of regional and globalmonitoring systems.

RESEARCH DIVISION OF GEOHAZARDS

Professors

IAI, Susumu, D. Eng. (Univ. of Tokyo)

Soil mechanics, Numerical analysis

CHIGIRA, Masahiro, D.Sc. (Univ.of Tokyo),

http://slope.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~chigira/,

Hazard geology, Rock weathering, Landslide

SIDLE, Roy, C., Ph.D. (Pennsylvania State Univ.),

Hydrogeomorphology, Soil erosion, Catchment hydrology

Associate Professors

MIMURA, Mamoru, D. Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://geo.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~mimura/,

Soil mechanics, Numerical analysis, In-situ testing

SUWA, Hiroshi, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.),

Debris flow, Rock-fall and mountain hazards, Hydrogeomorphology

TERAJIMA, Tomomi, D.Agr. (Hokkaido Univ.),

Hydrogeomorphology, Hillslope hydrology, Substance movement

Assistant Professors

TOBITA, Tetsuo, Ph. D. (Univ. of Southern California)

Soil mechanics, Liquefaction, Geographical information system

SAITO, Takashi, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.),

Mass movements and groundwater circulation

The Geohazards Division pursues the research for the prediction and mitigation of earth surface hazards based on the sciences of geophysics, geology, geotechnology, geomorphology, hydrology, and environmental science and technology, The Division conducts interdisciplinary research by cooperating with other scientific disciplines. The geohazards under investigation include liquefaction, ground settlement, slope failure, landslide, soil erosion, slope or foundation deformation due to construction, groundwater problems, deformation or loss of special types of soil, severe surface erosion, and deformation or collapse of underground caverns. Such hazards are can be affected by acidification of soils by acid rain, acid soil, waste disposal, and waste recycling, as well as other land management practices. Research on geohazards is conducted in mountainous and hilly terrain, flat land, coastal areas, and the sea bottom; these areas are increasingly affected by the expansion of human activities. Research within this division focuses on the generation and the behavior of geohazards and the methodology of hazard mapping, incorporating sophisticated basic scientific research and technology, and cooperative interdisciplinary research within and outside DPRI.

GEOTECHNICS

Rapid development of urban areas originated from plains and lowlands towards hills in the suburbs poses increasing risks in geo-hazards. The potential geo-hazards include soil liquefaction during earthquakes, settlement of reclaimed lands, collapse of artificial cut-and-fill including cultural properties such as ancient tombs, and slope instability. A series of strategic measures are required for mitigating these geo-hazards and establishing higher performance of geotechnical works. Various approaches are adopted for achieving these objectives, such as nonlinear effective stress analysis of soil-structure systems constructed on saturated sandy deposits, global modeling of geo-hazards based on the use of GIS and urban geo-database, experimental studies through geotechnical centrifuge and advanced laboratory test equipment. Currently, our research topics include:

Study on the static/dynamic mechanics of large deformation of the ground

Development and application of ground improve methods

Study on interaction between foundation and structure using geotechnical centrifuge model tests

Study on mechanisms on and remedial measures for ground softening during earthquake

Prediction of deformation in the foundation-structure system and establishment of rational design method

Development of geotechnical conservation methods for cultural properties

MOUNTAIN HAZARDS

Mountainous areas are susceptible to mass movement hazards because of their high altitude and steep slopes. The mechanisms of slope processes, such as weathering, gravitational deformation, erosion, transport, and deposition of slope materials, are studied from the viewpoints of geology, geomorphology, geochemistry, and geophysics, to evaluate the potential of mountain hazards. On the basis of geological and geomorphological investigation, remote sensing analysis, chemical analyses of minerals and groundwater, and surveying, mountainous disasters have been studied as long-term geological phenomena as well as short-term mechanical phenomena. The main subjects are as follows:

1) Gravitational deformation of mountains and large-scale landslides

2) The mechanisms and rates of rock weathering and the long-term evaluation of slope stability

3) Field observations and model analyses on the rapid mass movements, such as debris flows etc.

4) Interaction between hydrological conditions and geological and geomorphological processes

5) Optimum land usage in mountainous areas for the prevention and mitigation of mountainous disasters

SLOPE CONSERVATION

Land use changes in Japan and throughout Asia have contributed to the severity of sediment and hydrogeomorphic hazards. Recent development activities in and around steep slopes have resulted in greater damage by mass movements and water, including loss of life, road and powerline damage, and destruction of residences and structures. Vegetation conversion and roads on hillslopes also strongly influence these hydrogeomorphic processes. While engineering erosion control measures have been effective in certain high risk areas, many areas are not conducive to such structural protection because of high costs, insufficient knowledge of the causes and extent of the hazard, and environmental concerns. To address these issues, the following studies are underway:

Landslide prediction, hazard mapping, assessment and modeling in sloping urban areas and in steep catchments subject to vegetation cover change

Investigations of stormflow generation pathways and related hydrogeomorphic processes in headwater catchments

Using sediment hazard and hydrogeomorphic information to improve urban and rural land use planning

Evaluation of the effects of distributed land uses and roads throughout Asia on sediment sources, pathways, and downstream impacts.

RESEARCH CENTRE ON LANDSLIDES

Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011

Tel. +81-774-38-4110, 38-4112

Director

KAMAI, Toshitaka, D.Eng. (Nihon Univ.)

Professor

KAMAI, Toshitaka, D.Eng. (Nihon Univ.),

http://landslide.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/

Engineering geology, Urban geohazards

Associate Professors

FUKUOKA, Hiroshi, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://landslide.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/,

Prediction of rapid and long run-out landslide motion, Landslide movement monitoring

SUEMINE, Akira, D. Sc. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://landslide.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/,

(Tokushima Landslide Observatory), Mechanism of landslide motion, Monitoring of landslide movement

Assistant Professors

WANG, Fawu, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://landslide.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/,

Landslide movement simulation, Landslide hazard mapping

WANG, Gonghui, D. Sc. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://landslide.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/, Landslide movement monitoring, Landslide geotechnical testing

The Research Center on Landslides (RCL) was established in 2003. RCL aims to pursue research for protecting human lives, properties, and cultural and natural heritage from landslides. RCL conducts research on the mechanisms of initiation and motion of landslides triggered by earthquakes and rainstorms. Studies are conducted on the areal prediction of rapid and long traveling landslides and debris flows, the development of precise monitoring systems for landslides at local to global scales, failures in urban fill materials, and new techniques of landslide field investigation and instrumentation. Education and capacity building for landslide risk mitigation is also an important task of RCL. RCL has two research sections, Landslide Dynamics and Landslide Monitoring.

LANDSLIDE DYNAMICS

Rapid and long traveling landslides triggered by earthquakes and rainstorms, especially those in urban area, have caused catastrophic disasters. To promote science and technology for landslide risk evaluation and mitigation especially for those catastrophic landslides, new geotechnical testing apparatuses including dynamic loading ring shear apparatuses have been developed. Techniques for landslide hazard mitigation are also studied. Current major research topics include:

(1) Studies of Landslide Mechanisms

Initiation and long runout mechanisms of fluidized landslides triggered by earthquakes and heavy rains, and state-shift from slide to flow

Mechanism of creep movement of crystalline schist landslides

(2) Development of Testing Apparatuses, Remote Sensing and Exploration Techniques

Geotechnical testing appaatuses for landslide studies (undrained dynamic loading ring shear apparatus, experimental flumes, field geotechnical testing apparatus, etc.)

Application of satellite- and air-borne remote sensing data and data-transfer from remote stations and ground water exploration

(3) Mitigation of Landslide Hazards

Cultural and natural heritages at landslide risk

Evaluation and management of landslide risk

Prediction of landslide occurrence time

LANDSLIDE MONITORING

The section includes the Tokushima Landslide Observatory located in Tokushima Prefecture, one of most landslide prone areas in Japan as a field base. Technologies for the monitoring of landslide movement and triggering factors, the measurement of mechanical and physical landslide parameters are developed. Field investigation of various types of landslides occurring in Japan and foreign countries, education and capacity building for students and researchers from foreign countries are conducted. Current major research topics include:

(1) Observational Studies

Movement of crystalline-schist landslides associated with fracture-zones

Earth pressure change due to landslide activities

Groundwater hydrology and hydrogeology

(2) Field Investigation and Instrumentation

Field investigation of precursor stage of rock slides such as Machu Picchu, Peru

Field investigation of rapid landslides and debris flows in crystalline-schist zone, volcanic deposits zone, and loess area

Field investigation of large catastrophic landslides triggered earthquakes, such as 2008 Sichuan earthquake and Iwate-Miyagi Nairiku earthquake

(3) Development of field instrumentation

(4) Education and Capacity Building for Landslide Risk Mitigation Especially in Developing Countries

Details of RCL and activities are introduced in the web site : http://landslide.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/

ATOMOSPHERE-HYDROSPHERE

RESEARCH GROUP

Impact assessment of global environmental change on

general circulation and water circulation; development of innovative methodologies for water resources management and water environment conservation in harmony with water utilization and social activities; studies of atmospheric environments causing disasters on elucidation of hazardous climate, quantitative prediction of disastrous meteorological phenomena and prevention of wind damage; proposal of countermeasures for abnormal phenomena such as floods, storms, tidal waves and tsunamis; and planning of river basin environment management strategies considering sediment transportation processes ranging from soil erosion to estuary deposition.

RESEARCH DIVISON OF ATMOSPHERIC AND HYDROSPHERIC DISASTERS

Professors

MUKOUGAWA, Hitoshi, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.),

Climate dynamics, Dynamics and predictability of anomalous weather

ISHIKAWA, Hirohiko, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.)

Severe storm, Atmospheric boundary layer and turbulence

KAWAI, Hiromasa, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),

Wind engineering, Building aerodynamics and wind resistant design

MASE, Hajime, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://www.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~kaigan, Coastal Engineering, Coastal disaster, Storm surge, Sea waves,, Wave theory, Coastal Structures

NAKAKITA, Eiichi, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://www.urh.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp,

Radar hydrology, Hydrometeorology

Associate Professors

TAKEMI, Tetsuya, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.)

Mesoscale meteorology, Severe storm modeling & simulation

MARUYAMA, Takashi, D.Eng.(Kyoto Univ.),

, Environmental wind engineering and numerical simulation of natural winds

MORI, Nobuhito, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://www.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~kaigan, Ocean waves, Prediction of extreme waves, Air-sea interactions

KIDO, Yoshinobu, D.Eng. (Osaka Univ.),

http://www.urh.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp,

Urban hydrology, Environmental engineering

Assistant Professors

IGUCHI, Takao,

Climate physics, Environmental climatology, Atmospheric constituent

HORIGUCHI, Mitsuaki,

Cloud physics, Micrometeorology, Atmospheric turbulence

ARAKI, Tokihiko, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),

Structural reliability and health monitoring

YASUDA, Tomohiro, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://www.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~kaigan, Tsunami, Storm surge, Waves, Coastal structures' design, Numerical simulation

This division pursues establishment of scientific principles to mitigate atmospheric and hydrospheric disasters. Five research sections exist in which researchers in meteorology, hydrology, architecture, and coastal engineering collaborate in studies on atmospheric and hydrospheric hazards at various spatial and temporal scales. The spatial scale of the events ranges from the size of humans and buildings to urban, regional, and global scales. Typhoons are one of the typical research subjects in this division. Meteorologists investigate the nature and the predictability of typhoons. Storm surges, high waves, and associated disasters are studied by coastal researchers. Hydrologists predict heavy rain, river discharge, and floods. Strong wind damages are predicted and estimated by architectural researchers. In addition to severe ephemeral events, relatively modest events like atmospheric blocking are also studied. We are extending our studies to include projections of atmospheric and hydrological hazards in future global warming scenarios.

CLIMATE ENVIRONMENT

In order to elucidate the mechanism and the predictability of anomalous weather and climate change in relation to variations of the atmospheric and oceanic general circulation and atmospheric minor constituents, we are conducting numerical experiments using general circulation models and regional atmospheric models. We are also analyzing several kinds of atmospheric datasets, such as long-term global reanalysis datasets and numerical weather prediction datasets. Recent major research subjects are:

1) Dynamics and predictability of large-scale atmospheric motions associated with disastrous extreme atmospheric events, such as heavy rains and droughts

2) Influence of stratospheric circulation change on dynamics and predictability of tropospheric large-scale motions

3) Mutual interaction between persistent weather regimes in the extratropics and large-scale motions in the tropics

4) Development of a new method to obtain initial perturbations to improve forecast skill of the ensemble numerical prediction

5) Atmospheric minor constituents and their effects on global and regional climate.

SEVERE STORM AND ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT

Toward the reduction of disasters due to hazardous weather, this section conducts researches on extreme weather such as typhoon, heavy rainfall, high wind and other severe atmospheric phenomena through observation, data analysis and numerical simulation. The research is extended to the regional-scale atmospheric environment and the variability of the Asian monsoon, which form the background of severe atmospheric environments. Recent major research topics are:

1) Typhoon dynamics and disasters: Mechanisms of tropical cyclone genesis and its development, extra tropical transition and associated severe storms,

2) Severe convective storms: Convection dynamics and associated severe storms such as heavy rainfall, tornadoes, and downbursts

3) Planetary boundary layer processes including atmosphere - land surface interaction

4) Numerical modeling: Development of hazardous weather prediction system integrating atmospheric, ocean/wave, land-surface, and urban-canopy models

5) Atmospheric environment: Transport processes and dynamics of atmospheric pollutants at the urban-to-regional scale for air-quality prediction.

WIND ENGINEERING

AND WIND RESISTANT STRUCTURES

This section supports research on various subjects related to the wind resistance performance of structures and the wind environment around buildings and structures. These studies are carried out using wind induced hazards analyses, field observations, wind tunnel tests, numerical simulations and other methods. The research topics of the section are wind resistant design to improve performance of buildings and structures, damage of buildings and structures induced by strong winds, wind induced forces and vibration of buildings and structures, wind pressure on claddings including double skin facades, scattering of tiles and panels in strong winds, performance of cladding impacted by flying debris generated by strong gust, prediction of wind characteristics in cities and wind environment around buildings and structures, development of numerical methods for flow simulation, numerical investigation of wind characteristics in the tornadoes and dynamic reliability analysis of hysteretic structures with uncertainty in strong winds.

MARITIME DISASTERS

The disasters in the coastal areas are caused by unfavorable extreme behaviors of natural phenomena, such as tsunamis, storm surges and extreme waves. The main research purposes are to protect densely-populated and intensively-utilized coastal areas from natural disasters and preserve natural coastal environments. We develop and improve numerical models, and investigate how to promote the durability of coastal and ocean structures against damage and how to protect coastal beaches from erosion. Moreover, global warming effects on regional climate change, sea level rise and magnitude of typhoons are all related to the coastal disasters. Such climate influences on coastal environment are also important subjects for us. Major research subjects are as follows:

1) Development of methods for real-time prediction of storm surges and storm waves together with meteorological data

2) Development of real-time prediction systems for tsunamis by using an inverse estimation and neural network methods;

3) Estimation of nearshore random waves and wave-induced currents, and resulting beach deformation;

4) Momentum and gas transfer at sea surface for improvement the storm surge and extreme wave prediction;

5) Statistical analysis of damage characteristics of coastal structures, and reliability and performance based design of maritime structures;

6) Meteorological database establishment for site construction of wind farms.

HYDROMETEOROLOGICAL DISASTERS

This section supports researches on the phenomena analysis and model buildings focusing on human activities and the interaction between the atmospheric stage and the hydrospheric stage. Research topics of the section carried out presently and started in a few years are as follows.

1)Development of rainfall precipitation methods using observation data by the latest polarimetric weather radar.

2)Physically-based analysis of heavy rainfall events considering basin characteristics.

3)Analysis of relationship among rainfall distribution, topographical laws of river basin and rainfall runoff mechanisms and evaluation of effects on the accuracy of flood prediction by distributed rainfall information.

4)Analysis of rainfall characteristics in the world-wide using of rainfall information observed by meteorological satellites and development of the application method to the flood prediction.

5)Analysis of the occurrence characteristic of extreme rainfall events in the world, and concept making for the abnormal rainfall events corresponding to the basin characteristic and the human life sphere, taking global warming into the consideration.

6)Analysis and estimation of pollutant runoff mechanisms linking atmospheric phenomena, land surface and groundwater system. Evaluation and conservation of the water environment in urban area.

7)Planning and management of storage or infiltration facilities in urban area for the prevention of inundation and the efficient water use. Advanced utilization of the water resources in the urban area.

8)Application of radar information to analysis and prediction of the pollutant circulation.

RESEARCH CENTER FOR FLUVIAL AND COASTAL DISASTERS

Professors

FUJITA, Masaharu, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),

Sedimentation disasters, Sediment yield, Sediment transport, Sediment control

TODA, Keiichi, Ph.D. (Univ. of Iowa),

Hydraulic design, River hydraulics, Urban flood control

NAKAGAWA, Hajime, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.), (Ujigawa Open Laboratory),

http://www.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~rcde/,

Sediment runoff, Sediment hazard, Flood disaster

SEKIGUCHI, Hideo, D. Eng. (Kyoto Univ.), (Ujigawa Open Laboratory),

http://www.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~rcde/,

Coastal sedimentary environment, Waterfront geohazards

Associate Professors

TAKEBAYASHI, Hiroshi, D. Eng. (Ritsumeikan Univ.),

Sediment hydraulics, River engineering, Bed deformation

YONEYAMA, Nozomu, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.),

Fluid mechanics and hydraulics, Urban flood analysis, Computational hydraulics

KAWAIKE, Kenji, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.), (Ujigawa Open Laboratory),

Flood disaster, Numerical simulation of urban flooding, Computational hydraulics

HAYASHI, Taiichi, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.),

http://www.rcde.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/,

http://www.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~rcfcd/frs/index.html,

Structure of high winds and heavy rainfalls, Typhoon, Severe local storm, Tornado a, Air-land and air-sea interaction, Asian monsoon

MUTO, Yasunori, Ph.D. (Univ of Bradford), (Shirahama Oceanographic Observatory),

http://www.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~rcfcd/frs/SOO.htm, Turbulent open channel flow, Local flow and scouring, Flow-Sediment-Structure interaction

TSUTSUMI, Daizo, D.Agr. (Kyoto Univ.),(Hodaka Sedimentation Laboratory),

Sedimentation disasters, Sediment yields, Hydrology, Lanslide

Assistant Professors

BABA, Yasuyuki, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.), (Ujigawa Open Laboratory), ,

http://www.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~rcde/, Currents in coastal region, Simulation technique of hydraulic phenomena

AZUMA, Ryoukei, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.), (Ujigawa Open Laboratory), ,

Multiphase fluid dynamics, Flood-vulnerable geoenvironments

ZHANG, Hao, D. Eng. (Kyoto Univ.) (Ujigawa Open Laboratory), ,

http://www.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~rcde/, Environmental hydraulics, Sediment dynamics

SERIZAWA, Shigeatsu, (Shirahama Oceanographic Observatory),

http://www.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~rcfcd/frs/SOO.htm, Observational oceanography, Oceanic front, Storm surges, Air-sea interaction

The Research Center has two missions. First of all, it promotes in-depth studies of fluid and sediment processes that may bring about serious disasters and environmental changes, frequently through chain reactions, to watersheds, reaches, reservoirs, estuaries and coastal oceans. These studies are inherently interdisciplinary and are covered by the Center's five research sections: the Sedimentation Disasters; the River Disaster Prevention System; the Urban Flood Control; the Coastal Sedimentary Environment; and the Field Research Section for Fluvial and Coastal Hazards.

Secondly, yet equally important, the Center's unique facilities are open to the partners for field and experimental studies on disaster prevention and environmental preservation in the river-coast system. The attached Ujigawa Open Laboratory, one of the largest experimental stations in Japan, is dedicated for experimental research that focuses on the dynamics of fluvial, estuarine and coastal hazards. Such experimental studies have a close relation with observational studies that have been conducted at the Center's three field stations (Hodaka Sedimentation Observatory; Shirahama Oceanographic Observatory; and Shionomisaki Wind-effect Laboratory). With these facilities actively promoting collaborative researches, the academic staff at the Center has developed cutting-edge technology for predicting complex processes in hydrosphere, together with disaster reduction methodology.

SEDIMENTATION DISASTERS

In a sediment transport system from mountainous area to coastal area, disasters occur due to the various kinds of sediment transport phenomena. These sediment transport phenomena triggered by natural causes as well as by human activities also impact on ecosystem within the sediment transport system. To mitigate the disasters and to understand the dynamics of sediment transport and water – sediment – ecosystem structure in the sediment transport system, various field observations, hydraulic experiments, and development of simulation models are carried out in our division

Major research themes are

Monitoring and predicting the sediment dynamics in the sediment transport system

Improving precision of prediction for sedimentation disaster occurrence

Understanding the water – sediment – ecosystem structure

Comprehensive sediment control within the sediment transport systems

URBAN FLOOD CONTROL

Unexpected disasters may occur in highly developed multi-storied urban areas. In this section, fluvial and marine disasters in the urban areas are studied.

Recent urban flood disasters are reviewed, and numerical simulation models are developed. The validity of models is calibrated by hydraulic experiments.

Through the application of models, the mechanism and prediction method of urban flood are discussed. Also, the countermeasures of disaster prevention and mitigation are also studied which comprise both structural and non-structural types.

The main research topics are as follows:

(1) Mechanism of urban flood disasters due to heavy rainfall, river flood, storm surge, tsunami or their combination

(2) Numerical modeling and analysis of inundation flow behavior in urban area considering buildings, streets and underground space effects

(3) Design and evaluation of both structural countermeasures (such as underground tunnel systems) and nonstructural ones (such as evacuation systems).

RIVER DISASTER PREVENTION SYSTEM

In order to establish a disaster prevention system over the whole river basin, this research field investigates prevention/mitigation schemes of river and sediment disasters due to heavy rainfall, taking in the perspective of desirable river preservation and the recovery and creation of ecological environment and landscapes. Also, countermeasures against multiple- or chain-type river disasters (occurring with earthquake, landslide, tsunami and storm surge), and collection/transmission systems of real-time information related with river disasters, are investigated. Furthermore, we are trying to understand the mechanisms of river and sediment disasters, by means of fundamental experiments, hydraulic experiments, numerical simulations, field surveys and observations on flood disaster and sediment transport.

The main topics are as follows:

1. Mechanisms and prevention/mitigation schemes of river and sediment disasters

2. Hydro and sedimentary dynamics on hydraulic structures

3. Strength evaluation and maintenance methods of river disaster prevention facilities such as river dykes

4. Interdisciplinary hydraulics- ecology, biology, hydro-science and hydraulic engineering

5. Mechanisms and prevention/mitigation schemes of multiple- or chain- type river disasters

6. Real-time information system for river disaster prevention

7. Field survey on flood and sediment disasters

COASTAL SEDIMENTARY ENVIRONMENT

This research section promotes studies of morphodynamics of sediment routing systems that connect river basins, estuaries and coastal oceans. The particular emphasis is placed on clarifying and describing complex fluid-sediment interactions that can lead to serious consequences in low-lying waterfront areas. The ongoing research projects include the following:

1. Identification of flood-related sedimentary features for floodplain management;

2. High-resolution morphodynamics for assessing coastal sedimentary evolution;

3. Subaqueous sediment gravity flows and event deposits;

4. Integrity of barriers against events such as storm surges, severe waves and tsunamis; and

5. Coastal groundwater environments.

UJIGAWA OPEN LABORATORY

Address: Higasinokuchi, Shimomisu, Yoko-oji, Fushimi, Kyoto 612-8235

Tel. +81-75-611-4391

Ujigawa Open Laboratory is a leading experimental laboratory in the world, possessing many observation and experimental facilities, where many kinds of hydraulic and sedimentation experiments are carried out. Those facilities installed at the laboratory are used for various kinds of research activities by the academic staff of the Disaster Prevention Research Institute, and they are also used for the following activities: education of the faculty and the graduate school, industry-university-government cooperative research, international academic cooperation and so on. Additionally, experimental facilities are available for nation-wide researchers, and some events like simulated disaster experiences are carried out for the public with the help of the technical staff.

FIELD RESEARCH SECTION FOR FLUVIAL AND COASTAL HAZARDS

The mission of this section is to perform continuous field observations on meteorological, fluvial and hydrodynamic issues, related to the disasters in the atmosphere and hydrosphere. This section includes four observational facilities, which are open to the research communities and widely used for the field study, education and training. The observational results describe the real behavior of atmospheric and hydrospheric disasters and clarify their mechanisms. In addition, they are utilized to develop numerical simulations and forecasting models.

The current major research themes are:

1) Observational research on the water, energy and material

transport and circulation

2) Integrated observation of disasters and environmental

changes in the atmosphere and hydrosphere

3) Development and application of integrated model for

forecasting atmospheric and hydrospheric disasters

SHIONOMISAKI WIND EFFECT LABORATORY

Address: 3349-134 Shionomisaki, Kushimoto, Higashimuro,

Wakayama 649-3502

Tel. +81-735-62-0693

The laboratory is located on the southern end of the main island of Japan. The main research topic is the observation of high winds and heavy rainfalls in the natural atmosphere during the extreme events such as typhoons, tornadoes and winter monsoon. The observational results have clarified the turbulent structure in the high wind and the transport mechanism of the energy flux in the atmospheric boundary layer. The strong wind effect to high rise buildings and long bridges is measured using the miniature model in the test field of 4,000m²range.

SHIRAHAMA OCEANOGRAPHIC OBSERVATORY

Address: 2347-6, Katada, Shirahama, Nishimuro, Wakayama, 649-2201

Tel. +81-739-42-4352

This observatory has a fixed-point tower in the mouth of Tanabe Bay for real-time observations of the oceanographic phenomena. The mobile observations are also carried out using a ship "Kaisho" of 12m long, 3.4ton. The mechanisms of wave-tide characteristics, air-sea interaction and river-coast-sea systems are investigated in relation to disaster mitigation and environmental preservation in the coastal area. The hourly meteorological and oceanographic data collected at the tower are updated on the web-page.

HODAKA SEDIMENTATION OBSERVATORY

Address: Nakao, Okuhidaonsengo, Takayama, Gifu 506-1422

Tel. +81-578-89-2154

The observatory is located in the northern part of Gifu Prefecture. The Gamata River including active volcano Mt. Yake in the Hida mountain range is our objective study area, with three different sizes of experimental basins in the area (1, 7 and 100 km²).We investigate atmospheric and hydrological factors such as precipitation, snowfall, air temperature, water runoff and sediment related factors such as sediment yield, turbidity, sediment runoff, bed variation, and environmental factors such as habitat of aquatic creatures. Observed data is published in our web-site every two hours.

OGATA WAVE OBSERVATORY

Address: Yotsuyahama, Ogata, Joetsu, Niigata 949-3111

Tel. +81-255-34-2414

This observatory was established in 1969 on the Ogata Coast facing the Japan Sea. It has served for field studies of surf-zone dynamics, sediment transport and coastal morphological evolution. Now that coastal erosion has become an increasingly serious issue on the Ogata Coast and adjacent areas, the research efforts are directed on high-resolution coastal morphology with the aim of providing a coherent framework for regional sediment management.

WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH CENTER

Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011

Tel. +81-774-38-4260

Director

KOJIRI, Toshiharu, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.)

Professors

HORI, Tomoharu, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.)

http://gwd.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp

Global hydrology, Water resources systems engineering

KOJIRI, Toshiharu, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.)

http://www.wrrc.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp

Water resources engineering, Environmental hydrology

HAGIHARA, Yoshimi, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.)

Environmental systems engineering, Regional planning, Water resources engineering

Visiting Professor

YOSHIKAWA Katsuhide, D.Eng. (Waseda Univ.)

Econometric system analysis

Associate Professors

TANAKA, Kenji, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.)

http://www.wrrc.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp

Hydrology, Hydrometeorology

TAKEMON, Yasuhiro, D.Sc. (Kyoto Univ.)

http://www.wrrc.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp

Biology, Ecology, Ecological engineering

Visiting Associate Professor

TANIMOTO, Keishi, D.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.)

Urban hydrology, Environmental engineering

Assistant Professor

NOHARA, Daisuke, M.Eng. (Kyoto Univ.)

http://gwd.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp

Water Resources Engineering

HAMAGUCHI, Toshio, D.Agr. (Kyoto Univ.)

http://www.wrrc.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp

http://www.urh.dpri.kyoto-u.ac.jp

Urban hydrology, Groundwater engineering

The Water Resources Research Center aims to understand the natural and social phenomena associated with water resource issues. The Center investigates the complete water resources management system, including conservation and development of water resources as integrated elements of geosystems, social systems, and ecosystems. Physically-based water cycles and related substances are scientifically and quantitatively modeled from the regional to global scales from the viewpoint of hydrometeorology. Also, systematic approaches for the environmental assessment of water resources are proposed to link atmospheric conditions with surface, subsurface, and ground water zones. Moreover, countermeasures for improving the water environment at the river basin scale are assessed considering the influences of regional development, water use, and pollutant release. In addition, the social and ecological risk management of water resources is proposed based on the needs of human activities and impact of regional developments and climate change on the socio- and eco-environment.

GLOBAL WATER DYNAMICS

Research is focused on the analyses of interaction among global water dynamics and human activities seeking solutions for water resource problems. The current research topics are regarding the development of a global water dynamics model including social and economic activities, and the downscaling of global hydrologic information for the estimation of temporal and spatial distribution of water resources.

Additionally, in order to develop a prevention and mitigation system of water-related hazards due to global change, regional preparedness and human response to floods and droughts are also investigated.

The main topics of our present research are summarized as follows:

1) Development of global water dynamics model considering social and economic activities.

2) Development of water resources management model considering global information on meteorology and hydrology.

3) Development of flood evacuation model considering mental attitude to risk and detailed field information.

REGIONAL WATER ENVIRONMENT SYSTEMS

Based on the three dimensional hydrological cycle model linking atmosphere, surface water, and ground water, comprehensive environment dynamics model considering the effects of regional development, water use, and pollutant release is being developed. The concept of integrated water resources management harmonizing with water environment/culture is proposed. Many researches associating global warming issues in recent years are implemented as follows:

1) Detection and correction procedure of climate model biases.

2) Application of hydrological river basin environment assessment model into water-related issues in any scales.

3) Future projection of urban climate, statistical downscaling of global warming projection information.

4) Application of artificial intelligent technology to water resources management.

5) Development of the land surface scheme (SiBUC).

6) Impact assessment of climate change on flood and drought.

SOCIO AND ECO ENVIRONMENT

RISK MANAGEMENT

In order to study a long environmental subject, it analyzes what influence a natural (consist of geo-system and eco-system) and social (socio-system) environmental change has on disaster prevention or mitigation.

Disaster prevention plan in urban area considering environmental preservation are studied from this analysis. Specifically, a disaster is classified into four, a "natural disasters", an "environmental collapse disasters", an "environmental pollution disasters", and "environmental culture disasters". That mutual relation is analyzed, it sees from the viewpoint of disaster prevention and mitigation, and the methodology for planning, which combined natural science and social science, is systematized. Concrete research subjects are as follows:

1) Analysis of natural and social environmental changing process.

2) Planning for environmental disaster prevention in urban area.

3) Environmental disaster prevention investment in aged society.

4) Conflict analysis between development and environment for agreement formation.

5) Reconstruction of water circulation system in great urban area.

WATER RESOURCES DISTRIBUTION ASSESSMENT

The domestic researchers adequate to solving works for the given issues to be discussed are invited to conduct the technical supports and the knowledge supplies concerning the dynamic analysis linking among water, heat and material cycle systems, to conduct those concerning the assessment, planning and management promotion of water resources system in consideration with a harmonious coexistence of human activity, human society and nature, and to respond to current subjects at the active demands of human society. The on-going projects are shown as follows:

1) Scenario-based study on integrated river basin management in consideration with coexistence of human activity, human society and nature for watershed/urban area.

2) Regeneration in accord with nature-development of methodology for planning sustainable society in catchment area.