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JAMSTEC Vision
An Integrated Understanding of the Ocean,
Earth, and Life
FOREWORD
Oceans
I remember the day when, as a small boy, I first encountered the ocean at Tohoku.
I was walking through a windbreak forest, when I heard loud booming sounds,
which echoed amongst the trees. These powerful sounds made me feel anxious,
but then the forest suddenly ended, and I saw the bright, endless expanse of the
Pacific Ocean in front of me. I was absolutely stunned by the sight before me,
and stood motionless, rooted to the spot. I gradually realized that the noise I had
heard in the forest belonged to the roar of the sea and the breaking waves. The
horizon blended with the sky, clouds, and ocean. Wondering what lay beyond it,
my heart raced; I felt breathless.
In 2011, almost 60 years later, I stood on the same beach feeling just as stunned,
but for different reasons. The windbreak forest was completely broken, and the
area had completely changed. Stubborn foundations of houses and other halfcollapsed structures bore the evidence of the tsunami, which had surged to
their second stories. I became overwhelmed with emotion, knowing what had
happened there, and my eyes blurred with tears. The ocean was somewhat darker
than usual and roaring powerfully.
Japan is a country surrounded by the sea; thus, it has always been a part of the
lives of its people. Developments in modern science and technology have helped
reveal some of the characteristics of the marine systems surrounding Japan. For
example, we now know that the Kuroshio Current, the world’s most powerful
current, is an ocean heat engine that affects the entire North Pacific Ocean. In
addition, the Sea of Japan contains a unique ecosystem that reflects its near
desalinization during the Ice Age. Moreover, one of the ocean’s deepest spots,
with a minimum depth of 9,000 m, lies 200 km off the entrance to Tokyo Bay.
From this spot, which is known to be the world’s only triple trench junction
(a triple junction comprised of three subducting tectonic plates), the vertical
interval between the ocean floor and the top of Mt. Fuji is 13,000 m; the largest
vertical interval on Earth. It can be said that the ocean and the ocean floor around
Japan, are one of the most active and dynamic regions on Earth.
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Appropriately, therefore, Japan’s goal is to be the world’s leader in marine
research, and the country’s present and future successes are related to such
endeavors. Since Japan’s future depends on the ocean, it is essential for Japan to
base its resources on the ocean. Accordingly, the Japan Agency for Marine–Earth
Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) is actively leading investigations into the
mysteries of the ocean and is pursuing an integrated and comprehensive program
that includes topics such as the evolution of Earth and life, the variability of the
Earth’s environment, and future forecasts.
The ocean is mighty, deep, and gentle, but is sometimes a place to be feared.
Some believe that we feel in awe of the ocean because the first life evolved there.
We therefore need to understand the ocean, in order to understand ourselves.
JAMSTEC hopes to continue to be at the forefront of such a challenge.
Asahiko Taira
President,
The Japan Agency for Marine–Earth Science and Technology
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Contents
1. Introduction
JAMSTEC’s Journey................................................................................................................................6
2. Towards a New Maritime Nation ..........................................................................................10
2.1 A New Perspective of Japan as a New Maritime Nation....................................................................10
2.2 JAMSTEC’s Mission..........................................................................................................................11
3. Research and Development Challenges and Approaches ...................................12
3.1 An Integrated Understanding and Prediction of Global Environmental Changes.............................13
(1) The Ocean’s Role in Global Environmental Change..................................................................13
(2) The Development of New Observation Systems........................................................................14
(3) Seamless Climate Change Prediction.........................................................................................15
3.2 The Establishment of an Advanced Understanding of the Earth’s Interior,
and its Application for the Mitigation of Earthquake and Tsunami Disasters..................................15
(1) Elucidating “Earth as a Thermal Engine”...................................................................................15
(2) Understanding Geohazards.........................................................................................................16
3.3 A Comprehensive Study of the Evolution of Life and the History of the Earth................................17
(1) Recent Developments in Marine Biology...................................................................................17
(2) A Unique Approach to the History of the Earth..........................................................................19
3.4 Developments of Resources Research, and Biotechnology...............................................................20
(1) A New Approach to Resources Research....................................................................................20
(2) Development of Biotechnology..................................................................................................21
4. Towards an Integrated Research Institution of the Ocean, Earth, and Life..........22
Contents
4
Developing the JAMSTEC Vision
The current long-term vision of the Japan Agency for Marine–
Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) was established
in February 2008. From this vision, a second medium-term
plan was established for the period April 2009 to March 2014,
and now that this plan is in its fourth year, the time has come
to formulate a new, medium-term plan.
Recent years have seen great and dramatic changes in Japan’s
social circumstances. In particular, the Great East Japan
Earthquake, which occurred on 11 March 2011, required a reexamination and re-evaluation of the entire concept of Japan’s
future, including national disaster prevention/mitigation
measures, resource/energy measures, economical growth
strategies through innovation, and approaches to global
environmental problems.
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Contents
On a more positive note, the research and development
conducted by JAMSTEC during the past five years has
significantly progressed beyond the originally conceived
domains. Immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake,
JAMSTEC began comprehensive research into the epicenter
of the earthquake, in collaboration with domestic and
international communities. Furthermore, in recent years, the
multidisciplinary understanding of extremophiles and their
surrounding geological and geochemical environments has
advanced, revealing a world of science wider than previously
believed. Immediate application of research results is
demanded by society more than ever before, and thus, greater
efforts are being made to satisfy such demands.
Taking all this into account, and looking forward to the next
15 years, JAMSTEC has decided to reconsider its goals and
approaches, and to redefine them as JAMSTEC’s new vision.
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INTRODUCTION
JAMSTEC’s journey
JAMSTEC was established in 1971 as the Japan Marine Science and Technology Center. Marine
development had captured the public’s imagination as a “new Japanese frontier,” during the period of
rapid economic growth in the 1960’s, and JAMSTEC was then established on the recommendation
of national and economic organizations to promote marine development, under the umbrella of the
Science and Technology Agency. The following sections provide a review of JAMSTEC’s journey
and background, and they are followed by a discussion on the future of the organization.
Phase 1: The Dawn of JAMSTEC—Era of Diving Technology Development
For the first 10 years after its establishment, between 1971 and 1980, JAMSTEC focused mainly on
the development of diving technology. A saturation diving project known as “Seatopia” was developed,
to enable long-term underwater habitation and diving operations. In addition, a manned research
submersible, “Shinkai 2000” and its support vessel “Natsushima” were built during this period for
deep-sea research.
During this era, revolutionary developments were made in the fields of earth and marine sciences.
The first of these was an understanding of plate tectonics. This theory describes the evolutionary
development of seafloor spreading at the oceanic ridges, and subduction at the margins of continents
or island arcs. The ramifications of this theory expanded beyond geology, with startling findings
from ocean floor research. In 1977, the human occupied vehicle “Alvin”, operated by the Woods
Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), discovered a deep-sea chemosynthetic community in the
Galapagos Rift, consisting of hydrothermal vents, deep-red giant tube worms (Riftia pachyptila), and
large bivalves (Calyptogena magnifica). With this discovery, the relationship between plate tectonics
and a peculiar, chemosynthetic community on the ocean floor was identified for the first time.
Left: the Seatopia Project
Right: the New Seatopia Project
INTRODUCTION
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Upper: “Shinkai 6500 ”
Lower: “Shinkai 2000 ”
Phase 2: Technological Expansion
—Establishment of the Deep Sea Technological Institution
From the 1980’s to the mid-1990’s, JAMSTEC made a quantum leap in the development of
technology. In 1984, the deep-sea submersible, “Shinkai 2000” discovered a deep-sea, cold-seep, clam
community, off the coast of Hatsushima Island. “Shinkai 2000” also began to conduct submersible
exploration on a global scale. In 1990, work was completed on the submersible “Shinkai 6500,” one
of the world’s premier ultra deep-sea manned submersibles. Additional research equipment developed
during this period included the deep ocean floor survey system, known as “DEEP TOW,” and a
remotely operated vehicle known as “DOLPHIN-3K.” A research program was also launched, mainly
to study microorganisms in extreme deep-sea environments. During this phase, JAMSTEC grew into
an organization that possesses the world’s most advanced deep-sea research technologies.
During this second phase, environmental issues such as global warming and marine pollution began
to gain global prominence. In 1988, concerns about global warming were discussed in U.S. Senate
confirmation hearings. Moreover, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change was
raised, along with the Convention on Biological Diversity, during the United Nations Conference on
Environment and Development, held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, (also known as the 1992 Rio Summit).
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INTRODUCTION
Phase 3: The Development of Scientific Research
—Establishment of a Research System Blending Science and Technology
In the mid-1990’s, JAMSTEC began its research into global environmental change. Construction of the
oceanographic research vessel, “Mirai,” was completed in 1997, and the following year, JAMSTEC’s
first marine observation buoy, the “TRITON buoy,” was placed in the equatorial area of the Pacific
Ocean. In addition, development began on the deep-sea cruising autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV),
“URASHIMA,” an unmanned cruising observation platform. The research system was also enriched by
the organization of the “Frontier Research System for Global Change,” and the “Frontier Observational
Research System for Global Change.” After the year 2000, facilities and systems for research and
development were further expanded. Along with the establishment of the “Institute for Frontier
Research on Earth Evolution,” and the “Frontier Research System for Extremophiles,” construction of
the deep-sea drilling vessel “Chikyu” began. In 2002, the parallel vector supercomputer system, known
as the “Earth Simulator,” was benchmarked as the having the best computing performance in the world.
JAMSTEC became an independent administrative institution in 2004, and in 2007, “Chikyu” joined
the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) and began international scientific drilling in the Nankai
Trough. Along with the phase that included the second mid-term plan in 2009, the research system was
changed to a flatter constitution, to activate research activities beyond established areas and fields.
During the period 1996¬–2010, JAMSTEC underwent a phase of scientific research development,
which was achieved through a transition from purely technological development to an expansion of
scientific research, combined with technological development. JAMSTEC’s research and development
capability has come to equal that of major foreign research institutions, and JAMSTEC has made great
contributions to projects such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) evaluation
report. Therefore, the third phase, from 1996 to 2010, can be regarded as the era of “The Development
of Scientific Research—Establishment of a Research System Blending Science and Technology.”
In this third phase, there were great and iconoclastic changes in world culture and society. The systems
that had provided the cornerstones of our beliefs, such as our concept of values, our understanding
of trends and societal structure, and perspectives of society itself, were in flux. The emergence of
new countries, and some newly gained independence, significantly altered socioeconomic structures,
including those of the global economy, logistics, and population. In the field of science and
technology, it was imperative to modify goals, in order to respond to rapidly changing societies or
contribute to risk management. Efforts to rejuvenate sluggish economies, particularly in Japan, have
emphasized the importance of the contribution of science and technology to economic and social
structural reform and innovation.
Earth Simulator
INTRODUCTION
8
For Today and Towards the Future
On 11 March 2011, a massive earthquake of magnitude (M) 9.0, and its induced tsunami, struck the
northern Pacific coast of Japan. This devastating event and its related after-effects have presented some
extremely serious issues for Japan to solve in the future. The widespread extent and severity of the
damage, and the devastation caused, has re-emphasized the unpredictability and ubiquity of the threat
of natural disasters, and the subsequent limitations of science and technology in their ability to protect
us. At the same time, issues were raised that could not be ignored, such as the effects of the release and
diffusion of radioactive materials on the environment, and health issues associated with the accident
at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. Under these circumstances, JAMSTEC fully utilized
its capabilities and instantly initiated cooperation with emergency research into the earthquake and
tsunami generation area, with radioactivity monitoring in marine areas, and marine ecosystem research.
Through these efforts, JAMSTEC determined that the landward slope of the Japan Trench had moved
50 m east, into the Pacific. Seismic reflection surveys and ultra-deep water drilling research have
helped sample the fault zone region, to the top of the subducting Pacific plate.
Additionally, an increased frequency of abnormal weather events has been recorded worldwide
in recent years, and other global environmental indicators, such as rising sea levels and ocean
acidification, are becoming more evident. In addition, the circumstances surrounding the oceans are
rapidly changing, as the consequences of increased competition for natural resources, caused by the
rapid growth of new developing countries, and a new focus on marine renewable energy, are emerging.
These problems required a re-evaluation of Japan’s future and the necessity of Japan taking the role of
“a new maritime nation,” as a future core foundation, together with the role of JAMSTEC, has become
more clearly apparent.
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INTRODUCTION
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Towards a New Maritime Nation
2.1 A New Perspective of Japan as a New Maritime Nation
What benefits can Japan provide domestically and globally as a new maritime nation, in relation to
science and technology? The following points look at the possibilities for the next 15 years:
●
In the field of biotechnology, knowledge derived from the study of living organisms in the sea,
on the deep-sea floor, and even deeper regions such as in the Earth’s crust can help industries
develop new medicines and enzymes, among other products, and become a major driving
force of economic prosperity.
●
By increasing our scientific understanding of the origin and occurrence of ocean floor mineral
resources, new resources can be discovered for economic development and commercial
application. Developing such resources concurrently with the use of environmental conservation
practices, technologies, and environmental policies, will help establish Japan’s initiative in the
economic development and export of technology, in partnership with other nations.
●
An improvement in the reliability of seasonal climate forecasting can be broadly applied to
a wide range of socio-economic activities. As a further development, the knowledge gained
can then be extended into a system providing services to the marine environment. This will
potentially affect a wide range of activities, including the cultivation and management of
marine resources, maritime traffic safety, and marine sports.
●
By developing and applying advanced technologies related to marine renewable energy and
unconventional hydrocarbon energy sources, such as methane hydrates and marine shale gas, these
technological capabilities will be utilized, not only in the seas around Japan, but also globally.
●
The development of widespread natural disaster observation networks, particularly for
earthquakes and tsunamis, both domestically and internationally, (designed to deliver realtime information for disaster mitigation), offers a multitude of benefits. Through these efforts,
general social awareness and education of disaster prevention/mitigation is enhanced. The
ability of society to resist and respond to natural disasters is enhanced, providing greater
disaster-resistance awareness amongst the citizenry, thereby preparing them to protect the
safety and security of themselves and others.
●
An improvement in our scientific understanding of the relationship between the Ocean, Earth,
and Life, will lead to a better, and more useful, promotion of scientific, technological, and
industrial innovation, as well as an improvement in general education and enlightenment.
●
By improving the way in which marine environmental conservation activities are made
available to the public, an education in how ecosystem services contribute to the improvement
of human welfare and healthy living will be provided from the ocean.
The above achievements demonstrate the desirability of establishing a diverse and broad-based
national model, with Japan’s firm foundation as a new maritime nation, and show the benefits
available to the Japanese public as members of such a new global standard.
Towards a New Maritime Nation
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2.2
JAMSTEC’s Mission
The philosophy towards achieving the goal of becoming a fully ocean-based nation, as described
above, is briefly stated in the Basic Act on Ocean Policy established in 2007, and is now being put
into practice. JAMSTEC’s role in this mission is very clear: to support our society in achieving
this goal, through developing new scientific and technological capabilities which contribute to the
sustainable development, and responsible maintenance, of a peaceful and fulfilling global society.
We believe that the path to making this research institute a global leader is based on reflecting
on past achievements, accepting the challenge of developing an integrated and comprehensive
understanding of the Ocean, Earth, and Life; and the pursuit of ever-advanced theories to open new
paradigms of research. These challenges can help JAMSTEC develop new marine-related scientific
knowledge, create advanced technologies, and propose specific solutions for social issues.
The basic philosophies of these activities are uniqueness, flexibility, and adaptability. Uniqueness
of applying novel approaches to problem solving; flexibility is needed in applying research results
to societal needs, and adaptability is necessary for coordinating diverse lines of research towards
future goals. Systems thinking, capturing the mutual influences of various events and phenomena,
and combining them, is the new paradigm. Dynamically developing viewpoints from the micro
to the macro and then back again, from basic concepts to applications and vice versa—are the
challenges existing beyond currently established fields and efforts.
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Towards a New Maritime Nation
3
Research and Development Challenges and Approaches
In the long-term vision established in 2008, JAMSTEC identified the following three priority
research objectives:
I. To advance the observation of global environmental changes, to analyze the cause of these changes,
and to extrapolate trends into future forecasts. Simultaneously, to deepen our understanding of
the mutual influence of global environmental changes and life systems on Earth, and actively
contribute to protecting society from global environmental changes, such as global warming.
II. To determine the basic principles regarding the dynamics of Earth’s interior, (e.g. mantle
convection, plate movement, and magma generation), that cause earthquakes, tsunamis and
volcanic phenomena, through observational, analytical and technological innovations, and adopt
results for disaster prevention/mitigation in and around Japan.
III. To elucidate the unique biological and ecological adaptations of life existing in the mesopelagic
zone, deep-sea floor, and crust. To examine the mutual interactions between the environment
and life, and biological diversification and evolution, and to explore and promote practical
applications of biodiversity.
These three items are the core elements of JAMSTEC’s future activities. At the same time, the
following activities have recently gained importance:
●
Particularly after the Great East Japan Earthquake, the importance of marine mineral and energy
resources has increased. JAMSTEC is actively contributing to this issue through applications of
accumulated knowledge gained from ocean floor research and exploration technology.
●
The novel concept, that microbes living within the Earth’s crust are integral parts of a larger
biological network known as “super life,” has gained interest. By this theory, conventional
concepts of nature and life have changed rapidly, and new fields of science, such as biotechnology,
have been developed.
●
The general public is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of a thorough understanding
of phenomena occurring on various spatio-temporal scales in the ocean and on Earth, and of life
that will provide insights in solutions necessary for challenging global environmental issues and
developing new natural resources.
●
Along with the advanced understanding of atmosphere–ocean phenomena, and the dramatic
development of information science and technology, numerical predictions of physical phenomena
in the atmosphere and oceans relative to their mutual relationship, on a global- and local-scale,
has become available. Such methods are expected to be applied, to predict the structure of future
ecosystems and the diffusion of anthropogenic substances within them.
Considering these, the following challenges related to research and development need to be addressed
by JAMSTEC over the next 15 years:
A. An integrated understanding and prediction of global environmental changes.
B. The establishment of an advanced understanding of the Earth’s interior, and its application for the
mitigation of earthquake and tsunami disasters.
C. A comprehensive study of the evolution of life and the history of the Earth.
D. Development of resources research, and biotechnology.
Details of these challenges and approaches are described below.
Research and Development Challenges and Approaches
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3.1
Sediment sampling with
piston corer
An Integrated Understanding and Prediction
of Global Environmental Changes
(1) The Ocean’s Role in Global Environmental Change
The ocean is an important component in characterizing the global environment, and is a major player
in thermal and material circulation within the global system. It can therefore be said, that the ocean
is a basic fundamental environmental component of the global biosphere. For instance, energy and
material exchanges between the ocean and the atmosphere, the sea and the land, and the tropical
zones and the polar regions critically influence climate and weather. Therefore, precise understanding
of these relationships, and the development of technology for the accurate prediction of climate and
weather, is essential in the establishment of the prevention of disasters caused by severe climate and
weather, and mitigation measures. Moreover, an adequate interpretation of the role of the oceans
in the carbon cycle on a global basis provides accurate predictions of long-term climate changes,
including global warming and ocean acidification.
JAMSTEC has carried out active research, based on the idea that tropical oceans and the atmosphere
are major engines of global thermal circulation and global climate patterns, such as the Madden–
Julian Oscillation (MJO), the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and the Indian Ocean Dipole
(IOD). At the same time, climate change in tropical zones interacts with the mid- and high-latitude
fluctuations, and it has been suggested that such changes affect global climate on a scale of several
years to several decades. However, adequate scientific understanding has not necessarily been
provided regarding atmospheric changes on much shorter time scales, or the relationship with, and
similarity to, past extreme climate changes, such as the Dansgaard-Oeschger cycles. A number of
uncertainties related to climate change remain, such as the response of marine ecosystems to such
changes on the scale of seasons, years, and decades; variations in material circulation; hydrological
circulation, (particularly changes in cloud amount and associated effects), and the relationship of
these changes with solar activities and effects of human activities.
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Research and Development Challenges and Approaches
Past research with climate model calculations using the Earth Simulator, a superior parallel vector
supercomputer, showed that human activity is very likely the cause of an increase in atmospheric CO2
concentration, and the related warming effects on the climate. Moreover, it is becoming evident that
the decrease in Arctic sea ice affects the climate and weather of the mid-latitude regions, including
that of Japan. Furthermore, recent major scale increases in deep-sea water temperature, (a critically
important fact discovered for the first time by JAMSTEC); show that the deep oceanic water
circulation around the Antarctic may be weakening. Since great changes in ocean circulation have
been tied to rapid and massive changes in the global environmental climate, as demonstrated in the
Earth’s history, it is crucial for the future that we improve our understanding of the Earth’s processes.
Technology has been developed to analyze the entire marine ecosystem, such as new food
web analyses using the nitrogen isotope ratios of amino acids, and new methods of analyzing
biogeochemical cycles via biomarkers. As a result, estimates of low trophic-level ecosystem
productivity, the balance between production and consumption in the ocean, and figures of
fluctuations, have become available. At this point in time, however, the relationship between the
function of ecological systems/biodiversity and climate change, is not fully understood.
It is therefore clear that a number of issues remain to be solved, regarding the relationship between
global environmental changes and the oceans.
(2) The Development of New Observation Systems
To overcome these unsolved issues, it is desirable to observe the oceans on a global basis with high
accuracy. As global environmental changes have recently become more apparent, an understanding
of the structure and function of the oceans, which are excessively broad and complex, and the
accurate prediction of their changes and variations, are becoming increasingly important scientific
issues. In areas where changes and variations influence the entire ocean through its circulation,
or where such influences are prominent, it is necessary to produce comprehensive marine data. A
“super site,” established for an integral observation of the sea and atmosphere to the ocean floor
in real-time, as well as physical oceanographic, chemical, biological, and geoscientific events, can
provide such marine data. For the development of such a “super site,” is necessary to cooperate with
satellite observation, gather various kinds of information, and develop technologies for underwater
acoustics, marine seismology, and bio-logging data collection.
More specifically, current observations that utilize moored or drifting buoys essentially provide
chronological observation of physical parameters, such as salinity determined through electric
conductivity, temperature, and depth. In the future, an advanced observation network for the next
generation will provide geochemical parameters, including alkalinity, nutrient concentration, and pH,
and ecological parameters such as chlorophyll concentration, the distribution and number of living
organisms, and biogeographic information. In addition, the network will include various buoys capable
of collecting ocean floor information, and underwater gliders. Moreover, these in-situ observation data,
along with the observation data from satellites and aircraft, underwater structural data, (to be available
through 3D seismic reflection survey), are added to repeatedly, and conclusively observe atmospheric
components, hydrological balances, sea-level changes, and ocean floor deformation.
CTD observation
Research and Development Challenges and Approaches
14
Visualization using
Earth Simulator
(3) Seamless Climate Change Prediction
Global environmental changes, such as global warming, vary over long periods. However, an
increase in the frequency of short-term and local extreme phenomena have been reported, including
extremely hot summers or mild winters, caused solely by atmosphere-ocean changes, as well
as urban-scale intense rainfall, and tornados. If a practical prediction of such phenomena was
available, and information was provided to its users at appropriate times, the effects on society
would be extremely significant.
In response to these needs, JAMSTEC aims to develop seamless climate/environment prediction
models. These models can seamlessly present various spatiotemporal scales, ranging from global
changes to urban-scale phenomenon. To achieve this, JAMSTEC will couple various algorisms and
develop new schemes by using a high-performance computer system. As a result, simultaneous
long-term to short-term, or global to local, forecasts can be realized for the first time.
Research development that unifies observation and numerical models continues to be the core of
JAMSTEC’s research in global environmental changes. The target numerical model, named the “Earth
system model,” plays a key role in understanding global environmental changes and downscaled
regional environmental characteristics, in addition to forecasting the future of local environments.
3.2 The Establishment of an Advanced Understanding of the Earth’s Interior,
and its Application for the Mitigation of Earthquake and Tsunami Disasters
(1) Elucidating “Earth as a Thermal Engine”
Present scientific thought believes that the oceans formed on the Earth’s surface as it cooled during
the early stage of its evolution. Unlike other planets in the solar system, the rigid lithosphere
overlies a “softer” region of the mantle, known as the asthenosphere. The dynamics of the
lithosphere and asthenosphere are believed to be linked, and are driven by mantle convection and
by the motion of the Earth’s internal thermal engine, the core.
15
Research and Development Challenges and Approaches
Plate tectonics describe the motion and interaction of the various plates that are composed of the
lithosphere. Plate tectonics cover both a geological and human timescale; the gradual “drifting”
of the various plates, opening, and closing of the oceans, the creation of massive mountain chains
and deep ocean trenches, all occur over 10’s of millions of years. The very same processes also
create earthquakes and tsunamis on a scale of minutes to hours. Mantle and core convection drives
plate movement on the Earth’s surface, while slowly cooling the planet’s deep interior. Not only
does mantle convection affect the physical makeup of the Earth, by transporting material from
deep within to the surface, but it also effects long-term environmental changes by processes such
as releasing CO2 into the atmosphere and continental crust development, and through significant
effects on marine chemistry and ecological systems. The deep core also affects the Earth’s nearspace environment, through the geomagnetic field generated and maintained by core convection
motion. The magnetic “shield” generated, protects life on Earth from high-energy cosmic rays, and
also helps protect and preserve the Earth’s atmosphere, maintaining an environment in which life
can exist on the Earth’s surface over the long period of its history.
JAMSTEC has been investigating the scientific challenges related to the major agendas of the
Earth’s interior dynamics, by combining diverse activities such as: seafloor topography surveys,
seismic exploration, high-pressure experimentation, large-scale numerical simulations, analyses of
rocks and minerals, and ocean floor drilling. This research has provided results that help to advance
our knowledge of core and mantle convection, crustal structure and continental crust formation in
plate subduction zones, volcanic activity, and massive earthquake-generating mechanisms. Such
surveys and explorations are expected to advance and continue into the future.
One important unsolved problem in solid-earth science is an understanding of the driving force of
plate tectonics. JAMSTEC’s ocean floor research has recently uncovered findings that have a bearing
on the foundations of plate tectonics theory. It has been suggested that mantle convection is directly
related to crust formation beneath oceanic ridges, and such a theory has led to a re-evaluation of
mantle convection as the driving force of plate tectonics. In the future, revolutionary knowledge
will be available regarding the relationship between mantle convection and oceanic crust formation,
the driving force of plate movement, and water and carbon circulation inside the Earth, using 3D
seismic reflection surveys and deep-sea drilling as far down as the Moho and the uppermost mantle.
These results will also be utilized to construct a dynamic model of the entire Earth’s interior, which
simulates the Earth’s evolution and dynamics.
Drilling by D/V “Chikyu ”
(2) Understanding Geohazards
The movement of tectonic plates triggers various geohazards, such as
earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic explosions, and massive landslides, and most
of these disasters originate in the oceans. As a matter of urgency, JAMSTEC
needs to increase efforts towards understanding the mechanisms of such
geohazards, and apply the knowledge gained towards new and improved
disaster prevention/mitigation measures. The occurrence of the Great East Japan
Earthquake and Tsunami of 11 March 2011 has emphasized the importance of
such an undertaking. The complete devastation of an extensive area of eastern
Japan has illuminated the importance of reforming the Japanese public’s
knowledge of such high-risk ocean-trench giant earthquakes zones, such as
the Nankai, Tonankai, and Tokai regions, and their response to associated
disasters. Therefore, science and technology sectors must make greater efforts to
understand earthquake-related deformations, and the long-term recovery process
of the marine ecological environment.
These efforts require observatories stationed in the seas around Japan,
particularly in areas that are known to be a high risk for large earthquakes.
JAMSTEC is working towards this goal, and is engaged in the Nankai Trough
Seismogenic Zone Experiments with the drillship “Chikyu”, deploying the
Dense Oceanfloor Network System for Earthquakes and Tsunamis (DONET).
JAMSTEC is also planning an expansion of real-time observations of ocean
floor deformation, using advanced technology such as lasers with a synchronized
Research and Development Challenges and Approaches
16
Right: Tsunami simulation
of Nankai Trough earthquake
Left: An experiment that reproduces
rapid earthquake faulting in the laboratory
submarine cable-observatory system. Data received will then be converted into a 4D monitoring
of fault activities, combined with precise, 3D seismic reflection surveys. JAMSTEC is planning a
trial experiment to forecast future variations in these phenomena, using sequential data assimilation
obtained in the intervals between giant earthquakes and during earthquakes. The hope is that, as far
as scientifically possible, better models can be developed to forecast earthquake occurrence. The
practical benefits of such a monitoring system would contribute immeasurably to the advancement
of real-time emergency warning systems for earthquakes and tsunamis.
Within this research outline, JAMSTEC looks to advance drilling into the sedimentary section
mantle, combining deep, bore hole experiments, and high-accuracy, real-time observation of ocean
floor deformation. JAMSTEC looks to combine these research endeavors into a comprehensive
and integrated theory of the Earth’s interior dynamics, including processes such as plate tectonics,
the short-term processes of massive earthquakes, plate and continental crust evolution, and global
environmental changes.
3.3 A Comprehensive Study of the Evolution of
Life and the History of the Earth
(1) Recent Developments in Marine Biology
The concept of life on Earth has changed dramatically in recent years. Countless unknown
microorganisms have now been discovered living in the surface layers of the ocean, on the deep sea
floor, and even within the Earth’s crust. In addition, it is now recognized that these microbes greatly
influence the structure and function of various ecosystems. Moreover, it is becoming evident that an
enormous biosphere exists in the deep sea and on the ocean floor. Research has also revealed that many
microorganisms coexist within larger living organisms, to function as a “micro biome.” For instance, it
is estimated that there are 10 times more bacterial cells than human cells in the human “micro biome.”
These two groups of cells can be said to be organized together in a unit to create a “super-living
organism.” In a similar manner, the Gaia theory states that Earth can be considered as a super-living
organism, consisting of water and organisms.
The mystery of how Earth became a unique planet containing a wealth of life, is a question asked by
people all over the world, as well as being an important research theme in natural sciences. Throughout
most periods in the history of the planet, life on Earth evolved in the oceans. Terrestrial plants and
animals only appeared after the Paleozoic Era, i.e. during a very late period in the Earth’s history. It is
therefore possible to say, that most of the history of life on Earth is recorded in marine organisms.
JAMSTEC has achieved breakthrough research regarding the interaction between physical, chemical,
and geological environments and life existing in, and on, the seafloor. This has been conducted on
ecosystems developing in extreme conditions, such as hydrothermal areas, where chemosynthetic
ecosystems develop, and in microbial communities within the Earth’s crust. For example, research
17
Research and Development Challenges and Approaches
conducted by JAMSTEC has illuminated the diverse symbioses in chemosynthetic ecosystems, the
existence of thermophilic microbes, the marginal conditions for the existence of life (e.g. the highest
temperature on pressure), the development of an “Archea” world in the deep bottom layer, the survival
of primitive protists in the hadal zone, a system to establish a biomarker that indicates methane
production, and a technique to analyze the food web using the stable isotope ratio of amino acids.
To understand the evolution of marine organisms, particularly the biosphere within the seabed, it is
necessary to clarify the mechanism of evolution, i.e., how organisms obtain a new function and adapt
to their environment, symbiosis, gene transfer, and mutation. In particular, microorganisms found in
extreme environments bear the high possibility of having unusual biological characteristics. It is thus
important that thorough research is conducted in understanding the mechanism of the distribution of
such organisms, and by studying their function and adaptation to various environments, the roles that
these organisms have in the evolution of life can be clarified.
To carry out this research, there is an urgent need to establish a brand new research system that
can culture extremophiles that were not possible to cultivate so far, and to analyze their genome,
physiological properties, and responses to the environmental change. In addition, it is necessary to
develop and establish an in-situ biological and chemical experimental system to be used within the
borehole. Furthermore, the promotion of studies on underground bio-environments, using newly
developed high resolution analyzing techniques for reading the records in strata, is necessary.
Using drilling samples collected from a variety of environments, together with specimens collected
using certain equipment, and by the application of sophisticated analyzing tools, JAMSTEC will reveal
the structure of the complicated marine ecosystems developing in hydrothermal vents, cold seeps, midwater deep zones, and diverse sea floor environments. In addition, JAMSTEC will search for a limit of
the existence of life, and will then carry out an integrated survey to find crucial evidence for the birth
of life and subsequent evolutionary history. Moreover, JAMSTEC aims to be a global leader in a field
of science pursuing the establishment of a library containing live materials and genomes, as well as
creating a “life simulation model,” with the consideration that life is a functional assemblage of live
material. This target means that JAMSTEC will contribute greatly to biotechnology, a science that is
targeting the wise utilization of the function of life.
(2) A Unique Approach to the History of the Earth
To predict the future of the biosphere on Earth with high scientific credibility, an understanding of
the history of the Earth, listing past events in detail, is indispensable. In the 4.6 billion years since
the birth of the Earth, there have been many mysterious events that science cannot completely
decipher, such as: the origin of the oceans; the birth of life; the evolution of Archea and methane
synthesizing bacteria; the impact of these microorganisms on the environment of the Earth; the
origin and evolution of eukaryotes; the mechanism of the snowball Earth event and its relationships
with the explosive evolution of life; the creation and separation of the supercontinents and the
relationship of such with global biological productivities; the Cambrian explosion of invertebrate
biodiversity; the mass extinction of life; the huge explosion and super warm Earth etc. To
understand the unknown in relation to these events, JAMSTEC will attempt to clarify the role of the
ocean and marine life in the Earth’s history, by comprehensively applying state-of-the-art scientific
technologies, and building a model simulating the whole history of marine life.
A variety of deep-sea organisms
Simultaneously, JAMSTEC will also develop a “whole earth system model,” that takes into account
the precise short-term biogeochemical cycle, and its mutual interaction with climate change. Through
this program, JAMSTEC will provide scientific knowledge regarding the circulation of anthropogenic
waste released into the environment, and enable a prediction of the impact to the environment, which
can then be used for global decision making. Furthermore, by applying the “whole earth system model”
to the simulation of past environments, an assimilation of the current climate and prediction of the
future environment (which also accounts for anthropogenic impacts) will be helpful in philosophical
discussions, such as, “What meaning do human beings have in the history of the Earth?”
Promoting such comprehensive research is prerequisite for the deepening of research which pursues
the answers to fundamental questions, such as, “What is the meaning of the ocean?”, “What is the
meaning of the Earth?”, “What is the meaning of life?”, and “What does it mean to be human?”
19
Research and Development Challenges and Approaches
3.4 Development of Resources Research, and Biotechnology
(1) A New Approach to Resources Research
Japan has been described as a country with few natural resources. However, this description only
refers to areas of land. In the broad exclusive economic zone/territorial sea, as defined by the UN
Convention on the Law of the Sea, a great potential exists for resource development. Although in
some countries marine resource development is in progress toward practical usage, it is only in the
very early stages of development in Japan.
By applying accumulated experience in exploration, observation and technology, and research
development, JAMSTEC is in an excellent position to contribute to national resource development
projects. For example, JAMSTEC has carried out exploration on submarine mud volcanoes as
possible sources of methane hydrates, and has discovered huge seafloor massive sulfides. In
addition, JAMSTEC is preparing to evaluate important topics in relation to resources within deepsea mud, which address the resource potential of a manganese-rich crust containing rare earth
deposits. There is a potential for resources and environmental energy technology that goes beyond
the framework of conventional concepts, such as the possibility of mining lithium resources that
exist in mud volcanoes, the generation of methane using microorganisms in the sub-seafloor which
metabolize carbon dioxide introduced via their carbon capture and storage, (Bio CCS) technology,
creating “artificial” hydrothermal mineral deposits in seafloor hydrothermal fields, and core
technologies related to power generation via the electrical potential difference in a hydrothermal
vent, (a possible new use of hydrothermal areas). To help bring these possibilities to the level of
practical application, JAMSTEC plans to approach these goals from the viewpoints of both basic
and applied science.
The autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), will help JAMSTEC to achieve these goals. These
extremely resilient, completely autonomous research platforms, are capable of cruising at high
Upper-Left: A sample taken from
below the seafloor
Upper-Right: A sample taken from an
artificial hydrothermal
vent
Lower-Left: Kochi Institute for Core
Sample Research
Lower-Right: A deep-sea amphipod
with novel enzymes
Nanometer-scale secondary-ion
mass spectroscopy (NanoSIMS)
speeds (>10 knots), and allow a careful and highly detailed exploration of ocean floor, (and
the sub-sea floor) structures. They are essential equipment in the thorough cataloging of the
resources belonging to the broad Japanese territorial sea/exclusive economic zone. At the same
time as developing highly accurate observation and analysis equipment, (i.e. sensors), for AUVs,
it is necessary to develop remotely operating vehicles (ROV), and manned submersibles. The
development of ground-breaking manned submersibles, that are designed incorporating innovative
scientific ideas, discoveries, and discussion, have the potential to be tools supporting research that
could change our general concept of nature.
(2) Development of Biotechnology
Considering that the water volume of the EEZ and Japanese territorial waters are the fourth largest
in the world, it is therefore natural that oceanic biological resources are extremely important to
Japan. Cutting-edge application of biotechnology, taking advantage of organisms living in the deep
sea, is at the frontier of modern science. The international marine biodiversity project, “Census of
Marine Life,” confirms that the amount of information we hold about marine life decreases as both
the distance from land and the water depth increase. JAMSTEC will target the exploration of the
very same frontiers within midwater and the deep sea, and gather a comprehensive understanding
of the diversity and dynamics of marine eco systems, in order that the an application of this
information is used for the benefit of all people.
JAMSTEC has also developed basic technology to utilize unused biomass resources, such as
cellulose or lignin, by, for example, the production of bio plastics and the purification of bioactive
substances to enable a new function. An example of such a potential technology, which has attracted
recent attention, is the discovery of a cellulase in the hadal zone, and its possibility for use as a new
type of bio-fuel.
In the future, JAMSTEC will focus on biological resource development in currently unexplored
fields, such as the application of supercritical fluids in the crust, and nanotechnology. Another
particular focus for JAMSTEC’s research is the massive sub-seafloor microorganism communities
thriving under the sediments. Elucidating previously unknown microbial metabolic functions, and
promoting the research and development of the effective use of these metabolic pathways, will
contribute to finding better applications of such research to the economic development of the entire
global eco system. Key elements for this research and development include the appropriate storage
and management of biological samples, the active utilization of bioinformatics, and the utilization
of models that simulate the life system.
21
Research and Development Challenges and Approaches
4
Towards an Integrated Research Institution
of the Ocean, Earth, and Life
In addition to the fields of marine science and technology, JAMSTEC has expanded its research
and development objectives to include the fields of earth science and biological science, in
response to societal needs. As a result, the large-scale research infrastructure required by these
fields has been developed and put into place. JAMSTEC has become one of the world’s leading
research and development institutions, through the recruitment and development of skilled
researchers and engineers from various fields, the ability to hold systems that fully support
research requirements, and by promoting the integration of research and development with
management and operations.
JAMSTEC personnel from various fields will continue to conduct a wide range of research and
development into the future, using their free and flexible thinking. As an organization, JAMSTEC
places a high value on social-consciousness, and conducts well-managed ethically based research
activities. Furthermore, with the understanding that the foundation of an organization is its human
resource, JAMSTEC nurtures young staff and scientists in their important and promising roles
within marine research and development, while promoting an environment in which everyone is
able to perform to the best of their best ability.
JAMSTEC’s research and development objectives include a wide and diverse array of research
throughout the oceans, and on land, studying processes over various temporal and spacial scales.
However, it is an enormous task for any single institution, let alone JAMSTEC, to cover all these
areas adequately. Therefore, JAMSTEC, as a public Japanese research institute, will take the
initiative in enhancing all Japanese research and development capabilities as a whole, through
a close cooperation with domestic and foreign universities, research institutes, and industries.
For example, in unconventionally themed international projects, JAMSTEC will function as the
hub institute in Japan and play a central role in coordinating domestic and international research
institutes successfully. Moreover, as an open research institute, JAMSTEC can host transnational
members, technologies, and information. This will allow further expansion of the organization,
the promotion of active and strategic exchanges of research and technology transitions, the
establishment of research networks in related research fields, and, furthermore, will contribute to
an enhancement of human resource development.
By actively sharing the results and knowledge gained from a study of the ocean, Earth, and
life with society, JAMSTEC hopes for the development of a mutually enlightened relationship
between society, and science and technology. Moreover, based on the philosophy that information
and knowledge obtained by research and development is considered the common heritage of all
people everywhere, JAMSTEC will do its best to convey these achievements globally.
Through all these activities, JAMSTEC will assist in the realization of Japan as a new maritime
nation, and contribute to the sustainable development and maintenance of citizens, society, and
the Earth. Pursuing the answers to compelling questions related to the existence of oceans, the
Earth, life, and humanity, JAMSTEC aims to remain a research institute that daily strives to
contribute to the development of a bright future for Japan, and for a global society.
Towards an Integrated Research Institution of the Ocean, Earth, and Life
22
H I STO RY
Major JAMSTEC Events
1971
• Japan Marine Science and Technology Center Established.
1972
• Seatopia project: initiation of an undersea habitat experiment conducted off the
coast of Tago, Shizuoka.
1978
• Initiation of “Kaimei”, a wave power generator used in oceanic experiments.
1981
• Completion of the research vessel “Natsushima” and the manned research
submersible “Shinkai 2000”.
1984
• Discovery of deep sea cold seep clam community in Sagami Bay by “Shinkai 2000”.
1985
• Completion of “Kaiyo”, an underwater operations vessel.
• New Seatopia Project: implementation of saturation diving experiment.
1988
• Completion of “Dolphine-3K”, a remotely operated vehicle.
• New Seatopia Project: 300 m saturation diving experiment off the coast of
Hatsushima Island, Sagami Bay.
Establishment of the Japan Marine Science and
Technology Center
The New Seatopia Project
1990
• Completion of the support ship “Yokosuka” and the manned research
submersible “Shinkai 6500”.
• Inauguration of the DEEP STAR project, an abyssal environment study program.
1991
• Discovery of a fissure at a depth of 6,270 m in the Japan Trench by “Shinkai 6500”.
• Completion of submersible exploration survey known as “STARMER” in the
North Fiji Basin by “Shinkai 6500”.
1993
• Completion of submersible exploration survey off the coast of Okushiri Island by
“Shinkai 2000”, following the Southwest-off Hokkaido Earthquake.
1994
• Completion of MODE’94, a submersible exploration survey by “Shinkai 6500” in
the Atlantic/East Pacific Rise.
1995
• Successful submersible exploration using “Kaiko”, a 10,000-m-class, remotely
operated vehicle, during its general sea trial to observe the world’s deepest point
at 10,911.4 m in the Challenger Deep, within the Mariana Trench.
• Establishment of “Frontier Research Program for Subduction Dynamics”.
1997
• Establishment of “Frontier Research System for Global Change”.
• Completion of deep sea research vessel “Kairei” and the oceanographic research
vessel “Mirai”.
1998
• Installation of first TRITON buoy by oceanographic research vessel “Mirai”.
• Achievement of a total of 1,000 submersible explorations by “Shinkai 2000” off
the coast of Iheya Island, Okinawa.
• Initiation of MIGHTY WHALE, an offshore floating wave energy device.
Experiment conducted off the coast of Minami-Ise-cho, Mie.
Research vessel “Kaiyo ”
“Shinkai 6500 ” and support vessel “Yokosuka ”
10,000m class remotely operated vehicle “Kaiko ”
HISTORY
26
1971–2011
1999
• Establishment of “Frontier Observational Research System for Global Change”.
2000
• Successful duplication of the Indian Ocean Dipole for the first time, by simulated
calculation using a high-resolution atmosphere–ocean coupled model.
• Establishment of the Mutsu Institute for Oceanography.
2001
• Establishment of the “Institute for Frontier Research on Earth Evolution,”
and the “Frontier Research System for Extremophiles”.
• Establishment of the Global Oceanographic Data Center.
2002
• Completion of the supercomputer “Earth Simulator”, which achieved the world’s
best computing performance.
• Establishment of the Yokohama Institute for Earth Sciences.
• Completion of the deployment of 18 TRITON buoys.
2003
• Initiation of the Blue Earth Global Expedition 2003, (BEAGLE 2003), aboard
“Mirai”; expedition ended in February 2004.
2004
• Establishment of the Japan Agency for Marine–Earth Science and Technology.
• Transfer of research vessels “Hakuho Maru” and “Tansei Maru” from the Ocean
Research Institute of the University of Tokyo.
2005
• AUV world record cruising distance of 317 km by “Urashima”, a deep sea cruising AUV.
• Completion of “Chikyu”, a deep sea drilling vessel.
• Establishment of the Kochi Institute for Core Sample Research.
2006
• Successful prediction of the Indian Ocean Dipole, for the first time.
2007
• Achievement of a total of 1,000 submersible explorations by “Shinkai 6500”, at
Hatoma Knoll off Ishigaki Island.
• Initiation of “Nankai Trough Seismogenic Zone Experiments” by “Chikyu”.
2008
• Discovery of the “archaea world” in abyssal seafloor.
• First-time discovery of traces of high-temperature water generated inside a fault
at the time of an earthquake.
2009
• Earth Simulator (ES2) upgraded.
• Initiation of second medium-term plan.
TRITON buoy and oceanographic research vessel “Mirai ”
Deep sea cruising AUV “Urashima ”
Deep sea drilling vessel “Chikyu ”
Earth Simulator (ES2)
2010
• Sea around Japan verified as a hotspot of biodiversity.
• Execution of “Deep Hot Biosphere Drilling” and discovery of hydrothermal fluid,
both by “Chikyu”.
2011
• Assistance in emergency research and radioactivity monitoring of the sea area
associated with the Tohoku earthquake.
• Full-scale operation of Dense Oceanfloor Network System for Earthquakes and
Tsunamis (DONET).
Fissures found in the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake
source area
27
HISTORY
2-15, Natsushima-cho, Yokosuka-city,
Kanagawa, 237-0061, Japan
PHONE : +81-46-866-3811
FAX : +81-46-867-9025