Download Department of Geophysics Department of Geology and Mineralogy

Introduction to the Division of Earth and Planetary Sciences
The recent progress in Earth and Planetary Sciences is remarkable. We are
investigating various phenomena in dynamic and wide ranges of
spatio-temporal scale; for example, the evolutionary history of geosphere and
biosphere for 4.6 billion years, global warming and environmental changes,
crustal deformation and disaster prevention, and planetary observation and
exploration. In order to elucidate the mechanisms of complex phenomena
inside and outside the earth and to do pioneering and creative work, researchers
are required to have general knowledge and to engage in interdisciplinary
collaboration, as well as to have outstanding skills in their specialties. The
Division of Earth and Planetary Sciences thus promotes both unique studies in
each discipline and multidisciplinary education and cooperative research
activities. The Integrated Earth Science Hub was established in 2008 for such a
purpose.
Our division consists of two departments.
The Department of Geophysics includes solid earth sciences,
hydrospheric and atmospheric physics and geoelectromagnetics. The
research subjects include the earth s core, mantle, crust, ocean,
atmosphere and interplanetary space. We approach the dynamics of
various phenomena in the geosphere by means of ground observation,
remote sensing using satellites, numerical experiments and theoretical
studies.
The Department of Geology and Mineralogy focuses on the historical
and material-based geosciences. We put importance on natural evidence
of the earth s evolutionary history and long time scale phenomena.
Rocks, minerals, fossils and the strata bearing them are investigated
through field surveys and indoor analyses and experiments. The
educational curriculum is planned so as to systematically learn the
advanced techniques of surveys and analysis.
Geodesy and Physics of
Crustal Movements
Seismology and Physics of the
Earth's Interior
Physical Volcanology
Crustal Geophysics and
Active Tectonics
Environmental Geoscience
Geothermal Sciences
Physical Oceanography
Physical Hydrology
Meteorology, Climate Physics,
and Atmospheric Physics
The purpose of modern geodesy is to know the
shape of the earth, its gravitational field, parameters
of the earth s rotation and their temporal changes.
These themes have close relationships with other
disciplines of earth and planetary sciences. We
observe the whole earth by utilizing space geodetic
techniques (GPS, InSAR, and satellite gravity measurement) and precise geodetic apparatus
(altimeters, superconducting gravimeters, absolute
gravimeters, and laser extensometers). Our research
areas range from observation and data analysis to
numerical simulations.
Why and how do large earthquakes occur? Can
we forecast when and where the next earthquake
will occur? What is the structure of the Earth's interior?
Our research aims to answer such questions with
theory, observations, data analyses, numerical
simulations and laboratory experiments. Seismology and Physics of the Earth s interior are evolving
disciplines with many unsolved problems. We
welcome all those that want to challenge these
exciting aspects of seismology.
Physical Volcanology aims to clarify the whole
process of eruption, including magma formation
and upwell, through geophysical methods based
on seismology, geodesy, geothermal science and
electromagnetics. Kyoto University internationally
leads this research field. Our study themes are as
follows.
- What occurs before volcanic eruption?
- What occurs during volcanic eruption?
- How diverse is the volcanic process and
what controls it?
Active Tectonics is concerned with Quaternary and
ongoing crustal deformation and earthquakes, with
their resultant landforms and geologic structures. We
especially focus on inland active faults responsible for
epicentral earthquakes and plate-boundary faults
which cause mega-thrust earthquakes around ocean
trenches. The research aims are to clarify the faulting
histories and to make long-term forecasts.
Studies of strong motion aim to understand the
mechanisms of generation and propagation of
ground motions from earthquake faults. Our research
subjects are the analysis and modeling of seismic
wave generation during propagation of fault rupture;
seismic wave propagation in the Earth's crust and
sedimentary basins; and seismic wave amplification
according to basement structures. The results of this
research are used to find a reasonable method for
prediction of strong ground motions.
We aim to understand the present state and
history of the environment at the earth s surface
(mainly on land), which is the sphere of human
activity. Japanese islands are subject to some of
the most active tectonic deformation on earth,
causing landslide disasters frequently occur at
steep slopes located everywhere from high mountains to plains. Our target is the process of such
ground surface deformations.
Experimental and theoretical research is
performed to understand various phenomena
caused by the earth's internal heat source. We have
the Institute for Geothermal Sciences and the Aso
Volcanological Laboratory in central Kyushu Island,
where volcanic and geothermal activities are
prominent. The Kyoto branch office is also used.
Analytical instruments and observatories for
seismic waves, crustal deformation, electromagnetism and geothermal heat facilitate the research
activities.
By investigating the physical mechanisms of
oceanic phenomena through observation, theory
and numerical modeling, we intend to understand
the roles of oceans in the formation and change of
the earth s climate.
The unknown aspects of oceanic phenomena
can be revealed by means of up-to-date techniques such as analysis of data acquired by satellites, ships, and buoys; analysis of turbulent flow
through precise numerical modeling; and assimilation experiments.
We are researching the processes of hydrological
circulation around the ground surface, mass transport, and steep slope collapse by various methods
of physics, chemistry, geomorphology, and hydrology. Our laboratories for education and research
are located in Beppu (Institute for Geothermal
Sciences) and Uji (Disaster Prevention Research
Institute).
The target of our observational, analytical, experimental, and theoretical research is the atmosphere
which is 100 km in thickness from the ground
surface.
There are four major fields. Atmospheric physics
and chemistry intend to understand the thermal
structure, circulation and chemical composition of
the atmosphere. The mechanisms of the formation
and changes of climate are studied in climate
system science. Atmospheric disaster and environmental sciences aim to understand and predict
atmospheric disasters and environmental changes.
Geophysical fluid dynamics deals with the motion of
rotating or stratified fluid.
Kyoto University
Department of
Geophysics
Faculty of Science, Graduate
School of Science
Integrated Earth Science Hub
Division of Earth and
Planetary Sciences
Department of Geology
and Mineralogy
Data Analysis Center for Geomagnetism and Space Magnetism
Institute for Geothermal
Sciences
Beppu Headquarters
Aso Volcanological Laboratory
Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere
Educational Curriculum
For master course students of the graduate school, lectures and
seminars are held so that they possess fundamental knowledge, methods
of research, and problem-solving powers. Supervisors support them in
research activities for their master s thesis. The doctor course nurtures
independent scientists who can lead the way in advancing earth and
planetary sciences. Students are required to design and perform their
own research and to present the results to the scientific community. Joint
studies, pioneering works, and outreach activities are also valued.
4th year
3rd year
Laboratory and Field Works in Earth and Planetary Sciences
1st and
2nd years
Undergraduate
Special Study Course (Earth and Planetary Sciences)
Advanced Courses
Basic Courses
Advanced Courses
Liberal Arts Courses
(Introductory Courses)
A landslide and dammed lake.
Eruption of Sakurajima
Time-series photographs of a crater lake
of Aso volcano
Solid Earth Science
Department of Geology and Mineralogy
Annual schedule
Electromagnetism of the
Earth s Interior
Geotectonics
Material Science of the Earth
Historical Geoscience of the
Biosphere
Cosmochemistry and Geochemistry
We study various phenomena in the wide area
from the Earth s core to distant planets, including
the ocean, atmosphere, ionosphere, magnetosphere and solar wind, based on electromagnetism
and plasma physics. For example, we study the
shock waves in solar wind, magnetic storms and
substorms, plasmas and waves in the magnetosphere and the ionosphere, geomagnetic secular
variation etc. We conduct observations both on the
ground and on the deep sea floor, and we do
remote sensing with radar and GPS, plasma
particle and airglow measurements using satellites,
computer simulation and data analysis.
We are addressing various problems in Solid Earth
Sciences based on knowledge of modern electromagnetism. Recent research topics are spatial distribution and temporal variations of the Earth's magnetic field and natural electric potential, and electrical conductivity structure of the Earth s crust and
mantle. Field observation, not only on land but also
at the seafloor or even in the air, is crucial to delineate seismic and/or volcanic activities around
faults/volcanoes. We also place emphasis on
numerical modeling/simulation in order to interpret
the valuable field results.
Geotectonics deals with solid earth phenomena
on a global scale and the timescale of the earth s
history. Recent interests are radioactive dating,
isotope analysis, and deformation mechanisms of
fault rocks. The research methods are mainly observations and measurements during field work,
indoor analyses and experiments using rock
samples, employing modeling and theories to
support them. Our research and education are at
the forefront of the field of geotectonics. We aim to
substantially clarify multiple aspects of geotectonic
phenomena.
The petrology group focuses on metamorphic
and igneous rocks, including mantle peridotite. By
chemically analyzing rock-forming minerals and
fluid inclusions, and through field work and theoretical studies, we aim to understand the correlation between temperature, pressure, time, deformation and fluid activity in the rocks formed at
convergent plate boundaries in order to take on
the challenge of understanding the magnificent
dynamics of the solid earth.
The mineralogy group focuses on the properties
and origins of rock-forming minerals as primary
components of the earth and other planets. We
aim to understand mineral forming processes and
thermal/stress histories after their formation, based
on observations, analysis, experimental and theoretical studies of crystal structure, chemical composition and microstructure of minerals.
Historical Geoscience of the Biosphere aims to
understand the evolutionary history of the Earth's
biosphere - the shallow part and the surface of the
planet - which includes organisms and their habitats. For this purpose sedimentary rocks, which
cover 90% of the Earth's surface, are important
because they yield fossils and are by themselves
archives of historical records. This group encompasses the evolutionary history of organisms
(paleontology); deformations of the lithosphere
(structural geology); dynamics of landforms and
stratigraphic sequences (sedimentology); and
environmental changes (paleoenvironmentology)
by means of geological field work, sample analysis,
theoretical and experimental approaches.
We are trying to understand the early sequence
of the Solar System, meteorites, planetesimals and
the Earth s core, as well as to understand the
crustal growth sequence and the origin and evolution of the life. Our research is carried out through
the elemental and isotopic analyses of various
samples including rock, mineral, fluid and
biochemical tissues. To achieve this, we are developing a state-of-the-art technique for the elemental analysis using high-power lasers and the mass
spectrometry. The newly developed system is
likely to become a favored method with many
chemists or biochemists for the elemental analysis
of industrial or biochemical samples due to its
efficiency, versatility and user-friendliness.
Resistivity structure to a depth of 20 km in the region of the 2007
Noto Peninsula Earthquake(Mw6.7).Aftershocks are shown by the
black circles in the cross section on the left and site locations are
shown on the right.
Hurricane IOKE observed by Precipitation Radar (PR)
and Visible Infrared Scanner (VIRS) onboard the
Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite.
Geology and Mineralogy
Solar-Planetary Physics and
Geomagnetism
,
Artist s view of the
magnetosphere (top)
and satellite
observations(botton)
Analog experiment of slope collapse
with artificial rainfalls.
Hydrospheric and Atmospheric Physics
Geology and
Mineralogy
Solid Earth Science
Hydrospheric and
Atmospheric Physics
Earth and Planetary
Electromagnetism
Doctor Course (3 years)
Graduate
Master Course (2 years)
Training course of geological field survey
Slip distribution of the 2011 northeast Japan earthquake
estimated from GPS data. The maximum slip reaches more
than 30 m. Red crosses represent observation points.
Gravity measurements at Showa
Station, Antarctica.
Earth and Planetary Electromagnetism
Kyoto University Museum
This section introduces the educational curriculum for undergraduate (Earth
and Planetary Science course, Faculty of Science, Kyoto University) and graduate
(Division of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto
University) students. The guiding principles of our education are the respect of
student autonomy, gradual specialization, and the cultivation of a broad
perspective.
Undergraduate students in their 1st and 2nd years are recommended to take
Liberal Arts Courses including fundamental scientific lectures in mathematics,
physics, chemistry, and biology. Students can also take introductory courses in
earth and planetary sciences. In the 3rd year, students registered for the Earth
and Planetary Science Course are advised to take Laboratory and Field Works
which provides basic skills for subsequent research. In the 4th year, students are
supposed to take the Special Study Course (graduate research), where they are
supervised by teachers.
Surface rupture fault during the
Fukushima prefecture earthquake
on April 11, 2011.
Department of Geophysics
Kyoto Branch
Disaster Prevention Research Institute
Large meander of Kuroshio captured by
thermal infrared rays.
Here you can find the answer.
Kyoto University adopts a semester system: 1st semester runs from April to September and 2nd semester from October to March. Outreach events are
occasionally held throughout the year. Check our web site for accurate schedule and details (http://www.eps.sci.kyoto-u.ac.jp/).
Guidance for entrance exam
(master course)
Apr.
May
Jun.
Jul.
Entrance exam
(master course)
Aug.
Sep
Entrance exam
(doctor course)
Oct.
1st semester
Entrance ceremony
and guidance
Open laboratory
Wegener Festival
Left: CL-image of diamond.
Right: Thin-section photo of UHP eclogite.
Left: normal faults and unconformity
Center: Mt. Everest in Himalaya,
Right: accumulated ammonites.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
2nd semester
Open campus
Campus festival
November Festival
Commencement and
graduation ceremonies
Career after graduation
0
About 75% of graduates from our Earth and Planetary Science Course
choose to go to graduate schools. Most of the others get jobs at public
offices, schools, manufacturers, financial companies, etc.
A quarter of graduates from our master course proceed to a doctor course.
About half of the rest gets jobs as teaching, technical, and research staff at
education and research institutes, public offices, and enterprises. Most of the
others are employed at various companies.
Nearly 70% of graduates from our doctor course continue to belong to
educational or research institutes as teachers or researchers. They mainly
become postdoctoral fellows and concentrate on research activities before
getting academic positions or other full-time jobs. The rest are mostly
employed at general companies and public offices.
bachelors
50
master course (other universities)
master course (our division)
100 %
employed
doctor course (other universities)
masters
doctors
Black layer implying ancient seismogenic
frictional melting in pelitic mélange.
Nov.
doctor course
(our division)
employed as teacher,
researcher or
technician
employed (educational and research institutes)
including postdoc fellows
employed (others)
employed (others)
Careers of graduates
(averaged for three years from 2007 to 2009)