Division of Atmospheric Environmental StudiesMember list

This division focuses on the atmospheric environment of the Circum-Sea of Japan area, an area of the world where high concentrations of atmospheric pollutants such as Asian dust (Kosa: yellow dust) and PM2.5 have become one of the most prominent environmental issues. The aim of this division is to clarify their mechanisms of generation, transport, reaction, deposition, ecosystem and human consequences, and to better predict future pollution in the area. To this end, this division devises and develops new analytical methods and fosters joint international research networks. These activities and their results will make substantial contributions to the global efforts to mitigate atmospheric contamination.

Facility: Noto Atmospheric Monitoring Observatory (Supersite)

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Division of Marine Environmental StudiesMember list

This division studies the influence of harmful chemical substances on marine organisms and the dynamics of these substances in the marine environment in the Circum-Sea of Japan area; particularly in coastal areas. This examination of marine biota is performed through the use of biochemical assays and chemical oceanography. The research performed aids in the development of marine environment evaluation systems and for this purpose involves international collaborations.

Facility: The Marine Laboratory : Hands-on, Public Seaside Education

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Division of Terrestrial Environmental StudiesMember list

The Circum-Sea of Japan area is characterized by the existence of diverse terrestrial environments. Aiming to understand their temporal and spatial changes and to clearly define the present – and predict future – environmental circumstances, this division develops geological and geochemical techniques to understand their long- and short-term fluctuations. This division uses ecological and phylogenetic approaches in order to evaluate the influence of human activities and natural phenomena on these ecosystem processes.

Facility: The Botanical Garden : A Natural Mountain Village School in Kakuma

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Division of Integrated Environmental StudiesMember list

In order to understand the migration behavior of chemical substances in the Earth’s surface environment, it is necessary to study the transport processes within terrestrial, atmospheric and marine environments, as well as their boundary zones. For this purpose, this division uses environmental tracers, involving each of the department’s research divisions. Through the use of environmental tracers and model simulations, this division carries out the integrated analysis of substance dynamics in the Circum-Sea of Japan area in order to better predict future circumstances.

Facilities: The Low Level Radioactivity Laboratory

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Department of Inter-Institutional CollaborationMember list

This department manages the collection, exchange and maintenance of environmental information in the entire East Asia region, while centred specifically on the Circum-Sea of Japan area. It constructs and sustains international research networks for the global dissemination of information, thus promoting interdisciplinary research in a geopolitically important region of the world.

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