Title : INT94-005(a) Measures for Promoting Japan's Ocean Type : International Document NSF Org: SBE / INT Date : May 1, 1994 File : int94005 Research and Investigation (Part 1 of 2) Exposure: Public NSF Org: INT Date: 5/9/94 Delete: 11/9//94 Replaces: None The National Science Foundation's offices in Tokyo and in Paris periodically report on developments abroad that are related to the Foundation's mission. These documents present facts for the of NSF program managers and policy makers; they are not statements of NSF policy. MEASURES FOR PROMOTING JAPANS OCEAN RESEARCH AND INVESTIGATION (Part 1 of 2) The Council for Ocean Development (Chairman: Noriyuki Nasu), an advisory body to the Prime Minister, was tasked in March 1993 to propose measures for promoting ocean research in Japan, including technological development. Such measures are deemed necessary to respond to global environmental problems, as highlighted by the United Nations Conference for Environment and Development (UNCED). This report is an informal summary translation of the Council's December 1993 response to the Prime Minister which outlined goals for Japan's ocean research toward the 21st century. I. Meaning of Ocean Research Ocean research is important because the ocean possesses enormous living resources and minerals, has huge reserves of energy and space which can contribute to future socio-economic activities, affects climate and weather, and is home to earthquakes and tsunami. A new and important role of ocean research will be the elucidation of ocean phenomena on a global scale so as to make contributions to the preservation and improvement of the global environment. While the ocean dominates 70% of the earth's surface, progress in ocean research has lagged behind land- based research. II. Trends in Ocean Research Japan's ocean observation activities have been constantly developing. Japan has participated in various international cooperative programs, such as TOGA (Tropical Ocean and Global Atmosphere Programme), GOOS (Global Ocean Observing System), ODP (Ocean Drilling Programme), WESTPAC (Cooperative Study of Western Pacific Experiment), PICES (North Pacific Marine Science Organization), IODE (International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange), and IGOSS (Integrated Global Ocean Services System). Bilateral programs include UJNR/MRECC (US- Japan Conference on Development and Utilization of Natural Resources/Marine Resources and Engineering Coordination Committee) and DOSE (Dynamics of Solid Earth) with the United States, STARMER and a series of KAIKO programs with France, and JRK (Japan-China Joint Research Programme on the Kuroshio) with China. III. Future Goals of Ocean Research 1. Elucidation of ocean phenomena concerned with global environmental change The global environment is affected by temporally and spatially variable natural processes (various factors in atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, biosphere, and interactions among them) and human activities (e.g., increasing amounts of green house gases, emission of substances causing depletion of the ozone layer, and interactions between them). While current global environmental problems have been caused by human factors, elucidation of integrated phenomena over a wide range, including both natural and human causes, will be required to cope with the problems. 2. Establishing a comprehensive global image by utilizing the ocean as a window to the earth's interior Global environmental change is closely related not only with the atmosphere and hydrosphere, but with heat and material fluxes in the earth's interior, including plate movements. The ocean is where changes in the earth's interior are most directly and simply related with surface phenomena. Also, the sea bed contains a detailed, long-term record of global environmental change, including climate and sea level changes. 3. Predicting natural disasters in the ocean Changes in currents can affect climate, weather, and fisheries resources. Earthquakes caused by ocean plate subduction can result in tsunami. Thus, ocean phenomena affect human life. Also, sea level changes, melting of the polar ice cap, and changes in ocean circulation are potential causes of disaster. Comprehensive ocean research is intended to elucidate the mechanisms of various ocean phenomena, and thus contribute to predicting future disasters. IV. Measures for Promoting Ocean Research in the Future 1. Four important and fundamental research themes: 1-1. Elucidation of heat circulation Possessing more than 1,000 times the heat capacity of the atmosphere and about 98% of the water on the earth, the ocean plays an important role in maintaining the earth's heat balance through heat exchange with the atmosphere and sea bed, and through sea water circulation. 1-2. Elucidation of material fluxes The ocean absorbs huge amounts of various substances, including carbon dioxide which is considered to be a major cause of global environmental problems, and plays an important role in the circulation of materials through atmosphere-ocean interaction, activities of marine organisms, ocean circulation, and accumulation. 1-3. Elucidation of marine ecosystems Marine organisms exist in complex ecosystems with physical and chemical environments unique to each sea area. Effects caused by environmental changes are an important consideration in coping with increasing world-wide food demands caused by population increases. Feedback to the environment from changes in the ocean ecosystem may impact greatly on human life. 1-4. Elucidation of sea bed dynamics Changes in the earth's interior caused mainly by volcanoes and earthquakes at the time of plate formation and subduction and mantle plume activity greatly affect the global environment. Examples are when carbon dioxide and volcanic ash emitted into the atmosphere by volcanic eruptions warm or cool the earth. Also, accumulation of materials on the sea bed preserves a record of past global environmental change under continuous and favorable conditions. 2. Promotion of long-term and concentrated observations Efficient and effective promotion of long-term and concentrated observations are required. Routine observations of parameters like water temperature and flow direction/flow speed, when done over a long term, show long-term trends. Concentrated observations help to elucidate the mechanisms of specific ocean phenomena. By promoting both types of observations, Japan can make great contributions to the GOOS, WOCE, JGOFS and GLOBEC. 3. Promotion of international cooperation 3-1. How to promote international cooperation As it is difficult for a single country to promote ocean research over the ocean's vast area, international cooperation is needed. Japan should be more involved in international cooperative programs through bilateral and multilateral arrangements and international organizations. In addition, Japan should take the initiative to propose international cooperative programs worthy of world-wide recognition. 3-2. Involvement in GOOS Based on research accomplishments and the development of ocean observation technologies by WOCE (World Ocean Circulation Experiment) and JGOFS (Joint Global Ocean Flux Study), GOOS (Global Ocean Observation System) was established by the IOC (Intergovernmental Ocean Committee) with cooperation from WMO (World Meteorological Organization). GOOS aims to establish a system for continuous ocean observation by the year 2007, so as to elucidate global environmental change, manage marine living resources, and prevent marine pollution. GOOS is one of the most important international cooperative programs for global- scale ocean research. Japan should actively contribute to GOOS by promoting the four important and fundamental research themes mentioned above and by developing observation equipment. 3-3. Involvement in other multilateral international cooperative programs Japan should be actively involved in the following programs: WOCE (World Ocean Circulation Experiment) (1990-1997) is being promoted as an international cooperative program aimed at elucidating various global-scale ocean phenomena and the mechanism of global environmental change under WCRP (World Climate Research Programme). Also, following the success of TOGA (Tropical Ocean and Global Atmosphere Programme), CLIVAR (Study of Climate Variability and Predictability) is being planned. IGBP (International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme) is being promoted by ICSU (International Council of Scientific Unions) to elucidate interactions between the geosphere and biosphere. The core project of this cooperative research is JGOFS (Joint Global Ocean Flux Study) (1990-1997) aimed at elucidating materials' circulation, including carbon dioxide, in the ocean. In addition, LOICZ (Land and Ocean Interaction in the Coastal Zone) (1993-2000) has just been inaugurated. PICES (North Pacific Marine Science Organization) promotes research in the North Pacific (especially north of 30o N). Furthermore, ODP (Ocean Drilling Program) is promoted for deep sea research, and InterRidge (International Ridge Interdisciplinary Global Experiment) is promoted to elucidate various phenomena occurring at ocean ridges. 3-4. Involvement in bilateral cooperation Japan is involved in the following bilateral cooperative programs: UJNR (US-Japan Conference on Development and Utilization of Natural Resources) is promoted with the United States. Also, the "U.S.-Japan Comprehensive Research Initiative in the Pacific" was initiated in May 1993, as a pilot program for GOOS. The STARMER Programme and Kaiko-Nankai Programme with France will be followed by Post STARMER Programme and Kaiko-Tokai Programme. Following JRK (Japan-China Joint Research Programme on the Kuroshio), another cooperative program for elucidating the Kuroshio Current is planned with China. As the area around the equator is an important ocean research area, cooperative observation with developing countries is also important. 3-5. Involvement in an international data management system IOC promotes GLOSS (Global Sea-Level Observing System) which collects, analyzes, and distributes sea level data from observation points all over the world. IODE (International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange), promoted by IOC, should be used for smooth distribution of ocean research information. As data accumulation and control is less advanced in biological fields compared with physics and chemistry, data management in biological fields should be consolidated. 3-6. UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and ocean research United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea regulations should be respected so that scientific research on the ocean can be conducted without problems. 4. Improvement of ocean research base 4-1. Vessels Japan should support large jointly-used ocean observation vessels which have the capability of: (1) Mounting of many observation equipments, including large- scale buoys, and deployment/collection and inspection/repair of such equipment (2) Excellent cruising even under severe weather conditions (3) Cruising in ice, making observation in polar regions possible (4) Long-term observation in various sea areas (5) Speedy processing and analyses of test materials and data obtained from the ocean (6) Joint use by concerned ministries/agencies, universities and government-related organizations so that ocean research requiring multi-disciplinary cooperation can be promoted. Further discussion is required to maximize effects within the limited budget. Discussions should also be held on functions and modes of operation which will advance the ocean observation system. Operation should be left with the Japan Marine Science and Technology Center and vessels should be available for use by other countries to promote international cooperative research. 4-2. Development of observation equipment/systems Mooring buoys usable under any weather condition and in high- latitude areas need to be developed. Observation sensors to be mounted on such buoys should have high precision and make long- term continuous observation possible. R&D should be promoted on the reliability, multiple functions, and data transmitting methods of floating buoys. R&D on ocean acoustic tomography technology, ocean laser observation technology, and ocean radar observation technology should be further promoted. Maintenance and control of observation data and data transmitting systems in isolated island areas should be improved. Additional requirements include development of technologies which enable long-term monitoring of spatial and temporal changes in deep sea currents, temperature, geomagnetism, earthquakes, plate movement, and chemical components, as well as the active promotion of unused under-sea cables and a sea bed observation cable network of optical fiber. 4-3. Observation by airplane and satellite To be discussed are utilization of hydroplanes, improvement of ocean monitoring methods unaffected by clouds, utilization of airplanes, introduction, maintenance and operation of jointly- used airplanes, and development and consolidation of observation equipment. The system of distributing and managing observation data obtained from satellites should be improved. 5. Improvement of research to cope with natural disasters 5-1. Disasters caused by earthquakes and volcanoes (1) Research to cope with earthquakes Research on plate subduction is important because this is the main cause of earthquake activity in and around Japan. Observations on tectonics, sea levels, sea floor earthquakes, and geomagnetism are important areas of research for the prediction of earthquakes. It will also be important to accumulate basic information on plate activities over vast areas by conducting comprehensive research on topography, geological structure, geomagnetism, and gravity. Long-term observation of sea floor earthquakes and investigation of earthquake wave speed structure, topography after tectonics, and sea floor geostructure should be continued at plate boundaries, where most big earthquakes have occurred. Future themes include promotion of observation by ships, Very Long Base Interferometry (VLBI), measurement by laser from satellites, the Global Positioning System (GPS), deep sea submarines, deep sea drill ships, long-term sea floor stations, and sea bed cable networks using optical fiber. (2) Research to cope with volcanoes To reduce disasters caused by volcanoes, both periodic observation of sea bed volcanoes and volcanic islands from planes and satellites, and on-the-spot observation and monitoring should be further strengthened. For prediction of disasters caused by volcanoes, basic research for elucidating eruption mechanisms is needed. Comprehensive investigation of earthquakes, topography, geological structure, geomagnetism, gravity and geothermy is important. Development of acoustic sensors and the promotion of R&D on unmanned observation buoys is also important. (3) Research on tsunamis Elucidation of the mechanisms of earthquakes, large-scale sea bed landslides, and tsunami caused by sudden changes of sea bed topography will require development and consolidation of sea bed observations by vessels and deep sea submarines and the development of a high precision sounding system. Experiments using hydrological models and computers will be needed to investigate the mechanism of tsunami propagation. Also, development and consolidation of seismometer and tsunami measurement systems and development of an ultrasonic sea level recorder which can be discharged in the air, will be important to improve tsunami monitoring. 5-2. Disasters caused by weather and ocean weather Unlike in the past, present global-scale climate change, including global warming, could possibly result in big disasters, such as abnormal climate caused by a rise in sea level, El Nino southern oscillation, and giant typhoons. Such disasters would have long- term impacts over vast areas, and thus affect society in an extremely big way. The ocean, which dominates about 70% of the earth's surface, plays a big role in global-scale climate change. To predict disasters caused by climate change will require global-scale ocean research on global environmental problems, consolidation of basic data on ocean meteorology, marine physics, marine chemistry and marine biology, and elucidation of climate change mechanisms. As for typhoons and temperate zone low pressure fields which greatly impact socio-economic activities, satellites, meteorological radars, airplanes and ocean vessels can be utilized for observations to elucidate structure, mechanisms of occurrence, development, and outside factors for causing them. 6. Fostering of personnel concerned with and dissemination enlightenment of ocean research 6-1. Themes on personnel and observation/research scheme Due to the recent trend of decreasing interest in science and technology among young people and the poor conditions for ocean observation businesses, the shortage of ocean researchers is a critical problem. Employment of researchers from ocean meteorology, marine physics, marine chemistry, marine biology, ocean geology, sea bed physics, and fisheries science is an important issue for concerned organizations. The employment of technicians versed in ocean research and investigation is also insufficient. Due to lack of technicians, researchers sometimes operate and control observation equipment and even data processing. Also needed is improvement in the system for securing transportation crew. 6-2. Measures for fostering personnel and research scheme Concerned organizations should revise their systems for fostering personnel. Examples are establishment of a special researcher system which employs post-doc researchers as flexible researchers, active invitation of researchers from abroad, and close collaboration of personnel among industry, academia, and government. As ocean research requires the collaboration of various experts, interdisciplinary linkages are prerequisite. To foster ocean researchers, flexible and active personnel exchange among organizations should be promoted while enlarging opportunities for the fostering of personnel at higher educational organizations. Each concerned organization should have its own unique character so that R&D from each organization can be shared with others. Furthermore, establishment of a center of excellence would bring together researchers both domestically and from abroad. Active promotion of technological development for ocean observations, including automation and unmanned operation of ocean observation, is needed. 6-3. Dissemination and enlightenment measures Activities like Ocean Memorial Day (July 20), Ocean Week (July 20-31), and the Festival for a Good Ocean around Japan (around November), are being held annually. Other ocean-related activities are planned for the "International Ocean Year" in 1998. The joy of learning natural sciences and the challenges of various themes in ocean research should be relayed to children. 7. Strengthening collaboration among concerned organizations and promotion of planned ocean research Ocean research on global phenomena encompasses the fields of meteorological oceanography, physical oceanography, marine chemistry, marine biology, marine geology, sea bed earth physics, and fisheries science. Comprehensive research cannot be accomplished in one organization. Collaboration among several organizations, each with its own unique character, makes comprehensive research successful. At present, concerned ministries/agencies communicate closely to promote ocean development at the "Communication Meeting for Ocean Development- related Ministries/Agencies," and funds from the "special coordination funds for promoting science and technology" budget category are utilized for ocean development. Collaboration among organizations should be further strengthened. To appropriately participate in GOOS, WOCE, JGOFS, GLOBEC and PICES, and make international contributions, closer linkage among concerned ministries/agencies is needed. The "UNESCO Japan Committee: IOC Branch Committee" and "Communication Meeting for GOOS-related Ministries/Agencies" have been established in Japan and concerned organizations should collaborate more closely using these mechanisms. Existing ocean research programs addressing global-scale ocean phenomena should be continued. At the same time, the four important basic research themes should be pursued through international cooperation by both long-term and concentrated observations. Research themes, observation areas, and observation variables should be agreed upon by the organizations concerned, and research should be promoted efficiently, effectively and deliberately in priority order, recognizing limited resources and budgets. Specifically, the area of ocean observation should be the Pacific Ocean, given that the Pacific accounts for about half of the world's ocean area and Japan's geological location in it. Furthermore, it is appropriate to prioritize observations in tropical and subtropical zones around the equator which is a heat source, and high latitude areas of the North Pacific where sufficient observations have not been carried out because of severe weather conditions. The Arctic Ocean and the Southern Ocean around Antarctica, both of which are said to react sensitively to global environmental change and be indicators for prediction, should also be high priority regions for investigation. NSF/T:KShinohara