National Research and Development Agency

National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster ResilienceNIED aims to realize a society resilient to natural disasters through improving the level of science and technology for disaster risk reduction.

Location

Directions to NIED

Facilities

By Tsukuba Express (TX)From Tsukuba Station, take either the “Tsuku Bus” northern route shuttle bound for “Tsukubasan-guchi” or the Kanto Tetsudo bus bound for “Techno Park Oho.” It is an approximately �ve-minute walk from both the “Hanabatake” bus stop of the “Tsuku Bus” and the “Bosai-kagiken” bus stop of the Kanto Tetsudo bus.

By highway bus / route busTake an express bus from JR Tokyo Station or a route bus from Joban Line Hitachinoushiku Station, Arakawaoki Station, or Tsuchiura Station bound for Tsukuba Center (TX Tsukuba Station). From Tsukuba Station, take either the “Tsuku Bus” or the Kanto Tetsudo bus mentioned above.

By carGet o� at the Yatabe Interchange or the Sakura Tsuchiura Interchange and take Higashi-Odori northbound toward Mt. Tsukuba. NIED is located on Higashi-Odori.

National Research and Development Agency National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED)URL : http: //www.bosai.go.jp/

Headquarters3-1, Tennodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki-ken, 305-0006 JapanPhone +81-29-851-1611 Fax +81-29-851-3246E-mail : toiawase@bosai.go.jp

Snow and Ice Research Center187-16, Maeyama, Suyoshi-machi Nagaoka-shi, Niigata-ken, 940-0821, JapanPhone +81-258-35-7520 Fax +81-258-35-0020

Shinjo Cryospheric Environment Laboratory, Snow and Ice Research Center1400, Takadan, Toka-machi, Shinjo-shi, Yamagata-ken, 996-0091, JapanPhone +81-233-22-7550 Fax +81-233-22-7554

Hyogo Earthquake Engineering Research Center1501-21, Nishikameya, Mitsuda, Shijimi-cho, Miki-shi, Hyogo-ken, 673-0515, JapanPhone +81-794-85-8211 Fax +81-794-85-7994

NIED

site area

Greetings

To achieve our ultimate objectives; realization of a society resilient to natural disasters, NIED pursues research activities in a wide range of areas such as earthquake, volcano, meteorology, snow and ice, disaster mitigation, and e�ective disaster response and recovery to improve the level of science and technology for disaster risk reduction.

The de�nition of “science and technology for disaster risk reduction” is a broad-ranging concept that includes all of the 1) capability of disaster prevention and mitigation, 2) capability of preventing damage from spreading, and 3) capability for the realization of recovery from the disaster. In order to increase the level of all three types of capabilities, a predictive capability is also required to foresee what will happen. Therefore, NIED should aim to increase the level of science and technology for disaster risk reduction on all the capabilities of prediction, risk reduction, emergency response, and recovery by conducting both inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary research.

To improve the level of science and technology for disaster risk reduction, NIED conducts both “basic research” and “fundamental research and development” in a comprehensive manner.

In particular, the concept of “fundamental research and development” is classi�ed into the following three types, as listed in“The Act on the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience” : 1) Research and development that is common to the promotion of all aspects of science and technology for disaster risk reduction, 2) Research and development using a facility that is considered to be inappropriate for more than one national testing and research organization or independent administrative agencies to install – because a large amount of money is required to set up –, and 3) Comprehensive research and development that requires cooperation from a number of di�erent disciplines. In fact, the promotion of “fundamental research and development” on “science and technology for disaster risk reduction” is equivalent to treating all the subjects of risk reduction and disaster management as our research subjects; thus research activities of NIED have great �exibility and potential.

In April 2015, NIED embarked on a new journey as a National Research and Development Agency with the goal to “maximize the research outcomes.” And a new seven-year Medium-term Plan has started since April 2016. In this Medium-term Plan, NIED makes e�orts to be “the core institute of innovation in science and technology for disaster risk reduction” pursuing an aim to become the hub that realizes a society resilient to natural disasters in cooperation with a wide variety of stakeholders associated with domestic and international disaster risk reduction.

All of us from NIED would very much appreciate it if you would give us the warmest and kindest support for our new mission.

President Haruo HAYASHI

National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED) conducts research on science and technology for integrated disaster risk reduction from basic research to society implementation

NIED contributes to reduce the risk of earthquake and tsunami damage through the state-of-the-art real time forecasting technology and to enhance the technology for long-term assessment of earthquake and tsunami damage.

Strategic Enhancement of Earthquake and Tsunami Forecasting TechnologyEarthquake and Tsunami Research Division

Development of Monitoring and Forecasting Technology for Volcanic ActivityWe promote research and development for quantitative assessment of volcanic disasters by using monitoring data of remote sensing and V-net deployed at 16 volcanoes.

Volcano Disaster Resilience Research

Division

Research on Forecasting of Water-related Disasters We pursue to mitigate water and landslide-related disasters resulting from complex factors by promoting the clarification of occurrence mechanism of the disaster and developing the more accurate monitoring and forecasting methods.

Storm, Flood and Landslide Research

Division

Research on Forecasting of Snow and Ice-related DisastersThrough cooperation with stakeholders, NIED provides accurate information for hazard mitigation based on development of snow disaster monitoring and forecasting methods.

Snow and Ice Research Division

Improvement of Comprehensive Disaster Resilience Using Information Products and Technologies NIED pushes forward with research on countermeasure method and technology to improve capabilities of risk reduction, emergency response, and recovery, which enables a society to share and use the disaster information.

Study of Disaster Process as Social Phenomenon and Realization of Effective Disaster ResponseDisaster Resilience Research Division NIED aims to determine the disaster process as a social phenomenon and realize the disaster response by identifying the human behavior in

a disaster event and the disaster response process as an information processing process and creating a model of the recovery from a disaster.

To mitigate earthquake disaster and establish our society's resilience, NIED promotes research and development useful for enhancing techniques and strengthening infrastructural systems using E-Defense.

Research and Development for Our Society's Resilience Against Large Earthquakes Earthquake Disaster Mitigation Research

Division

With high-performance and accuracy seismographs distributed across Japan, NIED observes various types of seismic motions (from weak to strong) and tsunami behavior. NIED also monitors volcanoes with the volcano observation network.

Toward Damage Estimation by Earthquakes and Tsunamis in Realtime Using Network DataNetwork Center for Earthquake, Tsunami

and Volcano

Collection of Comprehensive Knowledge (Information) of Science and Technology for Disaster Risk ReductionNIED provides knowledge of science and technology for disaster risk reduction including past records, current situation, and future forecasts to be used in disaster prevention, response, and recovery in cooperation with administrative agencies, research institutes, and universities.

Center for Comprehensive Management of Disaster

Information

Promotion of SIP “Enhancement of Societal Resiliency Against Natural Disasters” We accelerate research and development activities for implementing resilient disaster prevention and mitigation functions in society by collaborating with related organizations and ministries and improving NIED’s strong areas.

Research Center for Reinforcement of Resilient Function

Hub of Researches and Human Resources in Collaboration with Industry, Academia, GovernmentNIED aims to implement research outcomes in society in cooperation with industry, academia, and government through systemization of meteorological disaster forecasting information and evaluation and standardization of measurement technology related to disaster prevention.

Innovation Center for Meteorological Disaster

Mitigation

Integrated Evaluation of Volcanic Activities and Mitigation of Volcanic HazardsNIED predicts the transition of volcanic activities and the occurrence of volcanic hazards by observing volcanoes and conducts an integrated research and development to provide the useful technologies for measuring volcanic disasters to society.

Center for Integrated Volcano Research

NIED will organize and utilize the large-scale experiment facilities that can simulate various natural conditions to accelerate innovation in disaster risk reduction, and also will provide and disseminate the research outcomes obtained in the experiments using the large-scale experiment facilities based on the Open Science framework.

Promotion of Science and Technology for Innovations in Disaster Risk Reduction Using Advanced Research Facilities Center for Advanced Research Facility

Integrated Assessment of Disaster Occurrence Probability and Social VulnerabilityNIED contributes to the realization of a society that enables disaster response countermeasures based on multi-hazard risk assessment.

Integrated Research on Disaster Risk Reduction

Division

Basic Research Division　

Center for Fundamental Research and Development　

1

Greetings

To achieve our ultimate objectives; realization of a society resilient to natural disasters, NIED pursues research activities in a wide range of areas such as earthquake, volcano, meteorology, snow and ice, disaster mitigation, and e�ective disaster response and recovery to improve the level of science and technology for disaster risk reduction.

The de�nition of “science and technology for disaster risk reduction” is a broad-ranging concept that includes all of the 1) capability of disaster prevention and mitigation, 2) capability of preventing damage from spreading, and 3) capability for the realization of recovery from the disaster. In order to increase the level of all three types of capabilities, a predictive capability is also required to foresee what will happen. Therefore, NIED should aim to increase the level of science and technology for disaster risk reduction on all the capabilities of prediction, risk reduction, emergency response, and recovery by conducting both inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary research.

To improve the level of science and technology for disaster risk reduction, NIED conducts both “basic research” and “fundamental research and development” in a comprehensive manner.

In particular, the concept of “fundamental research and development” is classi�ed into the following three types, as listed in“The Act on the National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience” : 1) Research and development that is common to the promotion of all aspects of science and technology for disaster risk reduction, 2) Research and development using a facility that is considered to be inappropriate for more than one national testing and research organization or independent administrative agencies to install – because a large amount of money is required to set up –, and 3) Comprehensive research and development that requires cooperation from a number of di�erent disciplines. In fact, the promotion of “fundamental research and development” on “science and technology for disaster risk reduction” is equivalent to treating all the subjects of risk reduction and disaster management as our research subjects; thus research activities of NIED have great �exibility and potential.

In April 2015, NIED embarked on a new journey as a National Research and Development Agency with the goal to “maximize the research outcomes.” And a new seven-year Medium-term Plan has started since April 2016. In this Medium-term Plan, NIED makes e�orts to be “the core institute of innovation in science and technology for disaster risk reduction” pursuing an aim to become the hub that realizes a society resilient to natural disasters in cooperation with a wide variety of stakeholders associated with domestic and international disaster risk reduction.

All of us from NIED would very much appreciate it if you would give us the warmest and kindest support for our new mission.

President Haruo HAYASHI

National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED) conducts research on science and technology for integrated disaster risk reduction from basic research to society implementation

NIED’s Major Research OutcomesNIED carries out a variety of research activities toward the realization of a society resilient to natural disasters.Here are recent major research outcomes from our research activities for over 50 years.

Nationwide Seismic Network NIED operates three types of seismic observation networks deployed at approximately 1,900 locations nationwide. With these high-perfor-mance and high-precision networks, various types of seismic signals from weak to strong motions are detect-able. The recorded data are available to the public on the Internet.

Three Types of Slow Earthquakes W ith the se ismic obser vat ion networks, NIED discovered deep low-frequency tremors and revealed that shallow very-low-frequency earthquakes and deep low-fre-quency-tremors are accompanied by long-term slow slip events that occur approximately once every six years.

Earthquake Early Warning

The “not-yet-arrived method” for rapid hypocenter determination developed by NIED has been implemented in the JMA’s early warning system. Also NIED has been contributing approximately 80% of data used for the earth-quake early warning at JMA.

Contribution to Earthquake Disaster MitigationThe results of the E-Defense tests on damages of medical facilities and behaviors inside rooms of a high-rise building under long-period ground motion are compiled in handbooks distributed to medical institutions and municipalities. The E-Defense test results of a school gymnasium are introduced in a MEXT’s guidebook concerning earthquake protection for school administrators.

S-netS-net, composed of cabled seismo-graphs and tsunami sensors, are deployed at 150 locations at the sea bottom along the Japan Trench for early detection and information transmission of earthquake and tsunami. S-net is connected through optical fiber cables that enable the observation of earthquake and tsunami occurring in the region in real time and 24 hours a day.

Development of X-band MP Radar

NIED has developed high-resolu-tion X-band MP radar and patented methods of “rainfall intensit y estimation” and “radio extinction area detection”. The technology was transferred to MLIT’s XRAIN to enable accurate monitoring of torrential rain.

Seismic Diagnostic and Reinforcing Methods for Wooden School BuildingBased on the E-Defense test re-sults obtained in cooperation with Hyogo Prefecture, the methods of seismic diagnosis and rein-forcement for a wooden school building are established. These methods were employed for a historical elementary school built in 1937.

2

Various Earthquake Disaster Prevention Information ContentsNIED provides various contents for earthquake disaster prevention such as Kyoshin monitor that en-ables visualization of the current ground motion of Japan Island, J-RISQ that estimates earthquake damage in real time, and J-SHIS that sends out earthquake hazard information including National Seismic Hazard Maps.

Contribution to Local Government and CommunityWith using e-comi, NIED has assisted the disaster response and the recovery and recon-struction activities at the scene of disasters including the Great East Japan Earthquake, and the disaster prevention activities at normal times all around the nation. NIED has contributed to the realization of appropriate decision making at the scene of disasters and the establishment of cooperative relationship among various stakeholders that promote the effective risk communication at normal times.

e-community PlatformNIED has developed the “e-community platform (e-comi)”, an WEB-based information system, that can be used with the integration of various disaster information and the sharing of infor-mation with stakeholders for planning of disaster prevention at normal times and decision making at the scene of disaster. This can be used as disas-ter-risk management system by local community and government.

Development of New Monitoring Technology for Volcano NIED conducts research and devel-opment for a short-time forecasting of volcanic activities and disasters caused by a volcano eruption using new technologies of volcano moni-toring such as the surface deforma-tion monitoring by radar, the surface phenomena monitoring by optical remote sensing, and the automatic volcanic ash sampling and portable analysis systems.

Contribution to the Forecasting Technologies for Slope Failure

With experiments using the world’s largest rainfall simulator, we have developed technologies for fore-casting the time when a slope fails, estimating how far a landslide may reach, and monitoring a slope. A part of its outcomes is incorporat-ed in the MLIT’s technical guideline for countermeasures against deep-seated landslides.

Supporting Safe and Comfortable Life in Snowy Region

Cryospheric Environment Simulator, the world’s largest class snowfall facility, is used widely by domestic and foreign research institutes and companies to reproduce various snow and ice-related phenomena, such as snow/ice accretion, blowing snow, avalanche, snow load on buildings, to provide better under-standing and solutions of snow disasters.

Snow Disaster Forecasting System

NIED developed the real t ime forecasting technology of snow and ice-related disaster based on researches for the observation and modeling of snow and ice-related phenomena such as avalanches, blowing snow, and snow accretion. The evaluation experiment of its outcomes is conducted through cooperation with local governments and road administrators.

Volcano Observation Network (V-net)

The volcano observation network, located at 16 volcanoes nationwide, is composed of high-sensitivity seismom-eter, tiltmeters, and GNSS, which can monitor volcanic activities such as vol-canic earthquakes, crustal movement, and volcanic eruptions in real time. The obtained data are used for research and development for forecasting of volcanic disasters and provided to the other related organizations.

Volcanic Disaster SimulationTo mitigate volcanic disaster with understanding mechanism of vol-canic eruption, we are developing volcanic eruption and disaster forecasting technologies with numerical simulation by modeling a variety of volcanic phenomena including lava flows, volcanic ash fall, and pyroclastic flows.

3

　 Headquarters　 Research centersSeismograph networks　　 F-net　　 Hi-net / KiK-net　　 K-NETSeafloor observation networks for earthquakes and tsunamis　　 S-net 　　 DONET1 DONET2

Volcanic observation network　　 V-netMeteorological observation facilities and others　　 MP radars　　 Snow and weather observation network

Location of research centers and observation stations

NIED conducts research activities at its four research centers.NIED’s observation networks that observe seismic, tsunami, volcanic, and meteorological activities are composed of approximately 2,200 observation stations installed throughout the country.

Nansei Islands

Snow and Ice Research Center (Nagaoka-shi, Niigata-ken)

Hyogo Earthquake Engineering Research Center (Miki-shi, Hyogo-ken)

Ogasawara Islands

Shinjo Cryospheric Environment Laboraroty, Snow and Ice Research Center (Shinjo-shi, Yamagata-ken)

National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience Headquarters (Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki-ken)

◎ MP RadarMP (Multi-Parameter) Radar enables a c c u r a t e r a i n f a l l e s t i m a t i o n b y transmitting and receiving polarized radiowaves. The developed technology was transferred to the MLIT's radar network (XRAIN).

X-band MP radar (Ebina City) V-net

▲ Snow and Weather Observation NetworkThe observation network monitors v a l u a b l e m e t e o r o l o g i c a l d a t a including detailed snow information in mountainious areas, which cannot observed by other organizations. These data are used for snow disaster prevention and snow removal.

Exterior view of an observation station

● F-netF-net broadband seismograph can record ground motions in broad frequency range, from rapid to very slow oscillations. Using such a seismograph, we can analyze source mechanisms and source processes of large earthquakes all over the world.

F-net

Hi-net/KiK-net

Hi-net is an observation network composed of high-sensitivity seismographs installed at bottoms of boreholes to detect weak seismic signal from micro-earthquakes. KiK-net is a network of strong motion seismographs installed on ground surface and in the same boreholes as Hi-net. Those data are also transmitted to JMA and used in Earthquake Early Warning.

● Hi-net, KiK-net

● K-NET

K-NET is a strong motion seismograph network that accurately observes seismic motions strong enough to cause significant damage. K-NET can precisely record strong seismic motion up to thousands gals of acceleration.

K-NET

★ V-netV-net is a volcano observation network which can monitor volcanic activities such as volcanic earthquakes, crustal movement, and volcanic eruptions.

● S-net　● DONETS-net and DONET are the ocean bottom earthquake and tsunami observation networks composed of seismometer and water-pressure gauge. S-net is installed along the Japan Trench from off the coast of Hokkaido to Chiba. DONET is deployed in the area off Kumano-nada in Nankai Trough and Kii channel. NIED boasts the world's largest-scale of ocean bottom observation networks of more than 200 observatories. They are expected to contribute to the early detection of earthquake and tsunami.

S-net observation unit DONET observation unit

NIED’s Major Research Facilities

Tsukuba-shi, IbarakiMiki-shi, HyogoShinjo-shi, YamagataCommon use

6

E-Defense is the world’s largest three-dimensional full-scale earthquake testing facility that can simulate com-plecated three-dimensional ground motion as an actual earthquake. The table size is 15m by 20m and its loading capacity is 1,200 ton. E-Defense provides collapsing processes and behaviors of a structure model on the table that precisely simulates ground motion recorded during actual earthquake events such as the Great Hanshin/Awaji Earthquake and the Great East Japan Earthquake.

E-Defense

Shinjo

Hyogo

Tsukuba

Hyogo

Common use

Common use

The network center provides stable operation of the seismic and tsunami observation networks that cover both land (Hi-net, F-net, K-NET, and KiK-net) and ocean areas (S-net, DONET) and the volcano observation network. Various phenomena detected by the networks and obtained data archived with data ob-tained from other related organizations are accessible to the public. The network center also consistently provides the information about seismic activities and tsunami behaviors after analytical processing of the data observed in real time.

Network Center for Earthquake, Tsunami and Volcano TsukubaLarge-scale Earthquake Simulator

Since 1970, the Large-scale Earthquake Simulator has per-formed shaking tests on buildings, houses, bridges, embank-ments, tunnels, industrial facilities, and nuclear facilities to improve their seismic performance. The shake table simulates ground motion such as the Great Hanshin/Awaji Earthquake in horizontally one direction.

Tsukuba

Kyoshin monitorShaking test of a five-story pagoda (scale: 1/5)

Common use

7

Cryospheric Environment Simulator is the world’s largest class of snowfall facility that can reproduce cryospheric environment including the snowfall similar to the natural one. The facility is widely utilized not only by public institutes but also by private companies for researches on snow problems and development of countermeasures.

Cryospheric Environment Simulator Shinjo

NIED develops one-hour ahead forecasting method of extreme weather by combining cloud radars, Doppler lidars, microwave radiometers, and X-band MP radars, which can observe atmospheric condition and clouds prior to the formation of cumulonimbi that could cause extreme weather such as torrential rain or tornado.

Cumulonimbus Cloud Observation Sensor System Tsukuba

Super Computer Building is an intelligence infra-structure, composed of the large-scale simulation system and information transmission cloud com-puting system with the large-scale parallel comput-er as its core function. The facility operates these disaster prevention information systems to provide the field crossing and strategic information, such as a response to widespread complex disasters.

Disaster Prevention Information System Tsukuba

DIL has collected and provided documents and informations about a wide va-riety of natural disasters. Those materials of past records, current information, and future forecasting of natural disasters are available for all people involved in disaster prevention activities.

Center for Comprehensive Management of Disaster Information Disaster Information Library Tsukuba

X-band MP radar (Kisarazu City)

Large-scale Rainfall Simulator

The large-scale rainfall simulator is the world’s largest class of water sprinkling facility that can simulate rainfalls with intensity of 15-300mm/hr. The simulator is used to conduct research to clarify the mechanism of water-related disasters such as landslide.

Tsukuba

H21m

L76m

72m W49m44m

Large door (Double sided)Maximum height of opening: 8m

Structure: W49m × L76m × H21m

Rainfall area: 44m × 72m × 5 divisions

Common use

Common use

◎ Board members: 4 (including 1 part-time member) ◎ Full-time staff members: 274

Revenue in fiscal year 2018：9.8 billion yen Expenditure in fiscal year 2018: 9.8 billion yen

● Organization

● Staff

● Budget

Organization, staff, and budget

Strategic PlanningDepartment

General AffairsDepartment

President

Exective Vice President

General Auditor

Earthquake Disaster Mitigation Research Division（Hyogo Earthquake Engineering Research Center）

Earthquake and Tsunami Research Division

Volcano Disaster Resilience Research Division

Integrated Research on Disaster Risk Reduction Division

Storm, Flood and Landslide Research Division

Snow and Ice Research Division（Snow and Ice Research Center）

Disaster Resilience Research Division

Network Center for Earthquake, Tsunami and Volcano

Center for Comprehensive Management of Disaster Information

Center for Advanced Research Facility

Research Center for Reinforcement of Resilient Function

Innovation Center for Meteorological Disaster Mitigation

Center for Integrated Volcano Research

Audit Office

Research Center for Enhancing Metropolitan Resilience

Miscellaneous income:0.4 billion yen

General management expenses:0.4 billion yenEntrusted research expenses

0.7 billion yenEntrusted research income :0.7 billion yen

Operation expenses:7.2 billion yen

Research and development subsidy for earth observation system:1.5 billion yen

Research and development subsidy for earth observation system:1.5 billion yen

Operation grant:7.2 billion yen

74%

15%7% 4%

74%

15%7% 4%

8

9

History of NIED(September 1959): Ise Bay typhoon

(January 1963:) (Showa 38) Heavy snowfall

April 1963: NRCDP established in Tokyo

(June 1964:) Niigata Earthquake

December 1964: Institute of Snow and Ice Studies established in

Nagaoka

August 1965: Marine Observation Tower completed in Hiratsuka

June 1967: Strong Motion Earthquake Observation Council

established

July 1967: Hiratsuka Branch established

October 1969: Shinjo Branch established

June 1970: Large-scale Earthquake Simulator completed (The �rst

facility in Tsukuba Science City)

March 1973: Iwatsuki Crustal Activity Observatory completed

March 1974: Large-scale Rainfall Simulator completed in Tsukuba

April 1978: Headquarters moved from Tokyo to Tsukuba Science

City

March 1984: Kanto and Tokai Crustal Activity Observation Network

formed

June 1990: Reorganization from NRCDP to NIED completed

April 1993: Reorganization (Research Center for Earthquake

Prediction established)

(January 1995:) Southern Hyogo Prefecture Earthquake (Great

Hanshin/Awaji Earthquake

March 1996: Sagami-Bay Sea Bottom Earthquake Observatory

completed

May 1996: Reorganization (RCEP renamed the Earthquake

Research Center)

June 1996: K-NET (Kyoshin Net) started operation

March 1997: Cryospheric Environment Simulator completed

(Shinjo)

April 1997: Construction and operation of Hi-net (High sensitivity

seismograph network), KiK-net (Kiban Kyoshin-net),

and F-net (Broad-band seismograph network) started

April 1999: Reorganization (National Information Center for

Earthquakes and Disasters established)

April 2001: The independent administrative institution, the

National Research Institute for Earth Science and

Disaster Prevention, established Earthquake Disaster

Mitigation Research Center (EDM) transferred to NIED

from RIKEN (Miki)

October 2002: Kawasaki Laboratory established as an additional

branch of EDM

April 2003: EDM moved to Kobe City from Miki City

October 2004: Hyogo Earthquake Engineering Research Center

established

March 2005: Three-dimensional full-scale earthquake testing facility

(E-Defense) established

April 2006: Research organization reorganized into 3 research

departments and 3 centers

March 2007: Kawasaki Laboratory closed down

March 2008: Marine observation tower at Hiratsuka Experiment Station

closed down

(March 2011:) Great East Japan Earthquake

Earthquake Disaster Mitigation Research Center (EDM)

closed down

April 2011: Research departments reorganized into 3 research

departments

April 2013: Snow and Ice Research Center was reorganized. Shinjo

Branch changed to "Shinjo Cryospheric Environment

Laboratory"

October 2014: Research Center for Reinforcement of Resilient Function

established

April 2015: The status of NIED was changed from an Independent

Administrative Institution to a National Research and

Development Agency

April 2016: Reorganization (Institute’s name changed to National

Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster

Resilience)

NIEDAiming to become a hub institute in the innovation of science and technology for disaster resilience

10

The “Maximization of research and development outcomes” for disaster resilience science and technology aims to realize a society in which each member possesses a high level of disaster resilience supported by technology. To this end, we will establish a research framework where researchers and society can collaborate to pursue solutions.

● Formation of a hub institute for the innovation of research on science and technology for disaster resilience.

NIED’s Mid-to Long-Term Goals and Plans

Promotion of industry-academia-government cooperation as a hub institute

• Integrating human resources and knowledge and improving mobility through strengthening domestic, international, and industry-academia-government cooperation and collaboration as a hub institute of disaster risk reduction science and technology in Japan.

• Establishing networks for facilitating nationwide research on disaster risk reduction science and technology to enhance its hub function.

• Promoting personnel exchange and collaborative research among organizations through a cross-appointment system.

Promotion of the operation/sharing of fundamental observation stations/networks and advanced research facilities

• Extensively sharing observation data obtained from fundamental observation stations and networks with relevant organizations, and promoting the external use of these data.

• Offering a fair price to users for utilizing advanced research facilities, and promoting the sharing of these facilities with domestic and overseas researchers from various research fields, including those from industries.

• Promoting the integration of knowledge by utilizing an information platform.

Dissemination of research and development outcomes and promotion of the use of intellectual properties

• Promoting the application of intellectual properties developed and possessed by our institute by implementing collaborative development with stakeholders, and actively disseminating the research and development outputs to maximize outcomes, together with granting patents and licensing.

Promotion of international initiatives for research and development

• Promoting international cooperation including international collaborative research and expansion of information transmission functions to foreign countries, to improve the international presence of both NIED and Japan.

Human resource development • Conducting education and training programs to develop human resources for the future development of disaster risk reduction science and technology.

• Developing human resources associated with disaster risk reduction science and technology through inviting young domestic and overseas researchers and conducting research and development activities.

• Promoting the dispatch of lecturers for education on disaster resilience.

Contribution to disaster management authorities

• Spearheading proactive approaches by collaborating with the national and local authorities as a designated public institute mandated by the Disaster Countermeasures Basic Act.

• Reflecting the needs of disaster risk reduction operations into research and development.

Maximization of research and development outcomes

Co-design, Co-production

11

As a hub institute of basic and fundamental research and development in the field of disaster resilience science and technology, we will promote multi-faceted disaster resilience science and technology (encompassing pre-empting disasters, stopping damage from further escalating, and recovery and rehabilitation from disaster damage) to realize a society that is less vulnerable to disasters.

The Act on General Rules for Incorporated Administrative Agencies stipulates that the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) needs to develop mid-to long-term goals, and instruct NIED to formulate mid-to long-term plans which must be approved by MEXT Minister.

　Mid-to Long-Term goals --- Goals in terms of business operations (instructed by MEXT)　Mid-to Long-Term plans --- Plans to achieve the mid-to long-term goals (formulated by NIED)　The term of the fourth mid-to long-term goals is seven years (from FY 2016 to FY 2022).

Fundamental research and development

Disaster resilience science and technology

Pre-empting disasters

Prevention of damage from

spreading further

Recovery and rehabilitation from

disasters

(1) Joint research and development

(2)

Research and development requiring facilities and equipment that cannot be installed redundantly due to high costs

(3)

Comprehensive research and development that requires cooperation from multiple disciplines

Disaster prediction Emergency response

NIED, universities, other ministries

Simulation

Observation (real-time and continuity)

Experiments

Integration of knowledge using information products

Cooperation with stakeholders

Efforts to maximize research and development outcomes (multi-faceted)

(Reference) Mid-to Long-Term goals and plans

Earthquake and

Tsunami

We steadily administrate and operate the nation-wide, dense and precise earthquake and tsunami observation networks, including newly developed ocean floor networks (S-net and DONET). Our network has been providing the foundation for many research projects and developments.

The most advanced earthquake and tsunami observation system in the worldWe have been developing a new concept of real-time ground motion forecasting and early damage estimation based on actual ground shaking by recursively acquired strong motion data in real-time.

Real-time ground motion forecast and damage estimate

We have been developing technologies to forecast the entire process of a tsunami, make the rapid and precise forecast of the major tsunami waves, estimate of tsunami damage, and forecast its growth and calmed down by utilizing real-time data from ocean floor networks such as S-net and DONET.

Tsunami forecasting by ocean floor observation

Our nation-wide real-time seismic observation networks, including both land and ocean floor allow us to develop forecast and early warning technologies for seismic motions and tsunamis arrival, learning from experiences following the Tohoku-Oki earthquake. Earthquake generation models for improving long-term assessment of earthquake occurrences have been contributing to the nationwide policies for disaster mitigation and assessment.

Earthquake and Tsunami Observation Networks Kyoshin Monitor visualizes current shaking

BRDCST to FCST RT to RT

Land Eq observation network

Ocean floor tsunamiobservation networkOcean and land integrated data Frontline of transoceanic tsunamis detection

Forecasting the entire process of a tsunami

Long-term evaluation and probability of large earthquake occurrenceWe have conducted various research projects for long-term evaluation and probability of earthquake occurrence on active faults and along subducting plates, through seismic data analysis, laboratory experiments, and large-scale numerical simulations. We have developed quantitative earthquake models based on seismicity of microearthquakes, stress field by earthquake focal mechanisms, and crustal deformations.

Friction lawData assimilation Large earthquake areas

Tokai Kii Shikoku

Slow earthquake areaLarge-scale simulation

Lab experiment

● Center of earthquake, tsunami, and volcanic observation to spearhead earthquake and tsunami observation research● Center of national research projects of earthquake and tsunami disaster mitigation, and consulting governmental committees● Center of resources available to citizens, cooperating with government and infrastructure developers

　　　　 as the Hub InstitutionOverseas institutesResearch institutes

Universities Japan Meteorological Agency Headquarters for Earthquake Research Promotion Cabinet Office

Local governmentsInfrastructure developers

Resilient society Safety, security, and sustainable future National policies

NIED

V-net

K-NET

Hi-net/KiK-net

Water pressure gauges（Sagami Bay）

F-net

S-net

DONET1/2

S-net（under construction）

S-net’s subsystem

12

To mitigate the damage caused by earthquakes and tsunamis, new technologies for the real-time forecasting and long-term assessment have been strategically developed based on the vast earthquake and tsunami observation networks, as well as numerical simulation and laboratory experiments.

Sophisticated Earthquake and Tsunami Forecasting TechnologiesContribution to a More Resilient Society

Earthquake and Tsunami Research Division

Volcano

Enhancement of eruption forecasting systemsBased on the volcano observation network (V-net) equipped with high-sensitivity seismometers, tiltmeters, and GNSS, we are developing a real-time system that detects underground magma and hydrothermal activities such as the upward motion of magma towards the ground surface before volcanic eruption.

Mt. Tokachi

Mt. UsuMt. Hokkaido-Komagatake

Mt. Iwate

Mt. Kusatsu-ShiraneMt. Nasu

Mt. AsamaMt. FujiIzu-Oshima Island

Mt. Aso Miyake-jima Island

Mt. Unzen

Mt. Kirishima

Kuchinoerabu-jima Island

Mt. Tarumae

Ioto (Iwojima)

2 km

IJTV

IJMV

IJSV

IJCV

IJAV

IOCD

NIEDJMA

ミリオンダラーホール

141.30° 141.35° E

N

0 100 m

0 100 m

眼鏡岩観測点 (IJMV)

阿蘇台臨時観測点 (IJAV）

阿蘇台陥没口

阿蘇台断層

大阪山アレイ

鶯地獄アレイ

Hypocenters of the volcanic tremors

Location of the volcano observation network Faster and more precise determination of hypocenter locations of volcanic earthquake swarms and tremors High-frequency earthquakes Volcanic tremorsLow-frequency earthquakes We observe several types of volcanic earthquakes, as

shown in the figures on the left. In order to know the conditions and detect the motion of underground magma just before an eruption, it is necessary to monitor the locations (hypocenters) and types of such earthquakes in real-time.

012345

0

60

120

180

240

300

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 1000.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

見か

け速

度(m

/s)

方位角

(度)

センブランス値

(a)

(b )

(c)

時刻(秒)

We detect locations of hypocenters of volcanic tremors, which are not easy to be located, by using seismometer array and V-net observation stations in Ioto (Iwojima). The volcanic tremors located in active geothermal area in the Island show that the tremors are caused by geothermal activities.

Propagation direction of seismic waves of tremors detected from a seismometer array (N63°E to N75°E)

Seismometer arrays installed on Ioto (Iwojima) and hypocenters of the volcanic tremors Analysis results of volcanic tremors

Study on eruption mechanism and development of numerical simulation for volcanic eruption and disaster prediction We are developing technologies to visualize the behavior of underground magma quickly in case abnormalities, which are detected in the observation data. In addition to understanding the mechanisms of a variety of eruption phenomena, we are performing simulations for volcano disaster assessment.

Dike intrusion simulation

　Development of volcano risk management system based on the integration of fast database search technology with simulators

Modeling magma ascent before low-viscosity magma eruption and volcano deformation ■ Volcano deformation due to slag elevation in open-conduit systemUsing a slag elevation model for Strombolian eruptions, we performed numerical calculations involving volcanic deformations due to the elevation of slag within an open conduit based on a three-dimensional boundary element method, and investigated features related to temporal and spatial changes.

■ Tilt characteristics preceding Strombolian eruptionsBased on the analysis of tilt data accompanying Strombolian eruptions, which were collected through the observation of Strombolian eruption in June 2014, we found that the tilt change, which indicates an expansion towards the crater, starts to occur a few minutes before eruption. It was found that tilting vector suffers a slight change just before eruption. Comparison with results from numerical simulation indicated that the tilt change occurred due to the displacement of the center of gravity of the pressure source to a deeper location.

Developing a system to assess the damage to buildings and population in time near Mt. Fuji by creating a fast database that incorporates lava flow simulation and data regarding buildings and human movement

FEM calculation of pressure accumulation and fracture at the tip of stress corrosion cracks resulting from intensified pressure inside cracks

Understanding volcanic activities using remote sensing technologyUsing remote sensing technology, we can obtain useful observation data that cannot be detected through observation at fixed points. Our main research activities involving volcanoes are conducted using Airborne Radiative Transfer Spectral Scanner for a Single-Engine aircraft (ARTS-SE) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).

Airborne Radiative Transfer Spectral Scanner for a Single-Engine aircraft : ARTS-SE Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) In order to assist with short-term prediction and to perceive the situation resulting from volcanic eruption damage, NIED has been developing original airborne remote sensing systems for volcano observation that can perform image measurement of surface temperature and ash fall distribution through image analysis since 1988. The first system launched in 1990 was named VAM-90A; the second system launched in 2006 was named ARTS. In 2015, ARTS was improved, resulting in the development of ARTS-SE.

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a radar remote sensing technique that can observe the earth’s surface, regardless of weather conditions and volcanic plume. Advanced Land Observing Satellite-2 (ALOS-2) by JAXA and the Sentinel-1A by ESA, new generation SAR satellites, were launched in 2014. We are researching on analysis techniques to investigate crustal deformation and topographic change using their SAR data.

-13.0

28.5

[℃]

256

-13.0

28.5

[℃]

256

Asama volcano (November 29, 2015)

Infrared scanner

Visible scanner

Visible and infrared camera

Contraction of the satellite-land surface distance was detected in the northern part of the island, and an extension was detected in the southern part.

Contraction of the satellite-land surface distance was detected in east of the Kamishiro fault, and extension was detected in the west area.

A thre e - dim ensional sur f ace defor mat ion distribution was detected using images from JAXA’s airborne SAR (Pi-SAR-L2).

Visible image

Temperature image

Analysis of ALOS-2 (PALSAR-2) data Analysis of airborne SAR dataCrustal deformation of Ioto (Iwojima) Surface deformation in the Shinmoe-dake craterCrustal deformation due to the 2014 Northern Nagano earthquake

ARTS-SE platform

ＡＲＴＳ－ＳＥ

Volcano Disaster Resilience Research Division

13

Based on the observation data from 55 volcanic observation stations (V-net) located on 16 volcanoes in Japan, we are conducting research on the quantitative evaluation of volcanic disasters, combining eruption/disaster forecasting technologies, remote sensing technologies, as well as technologies for the real-time monitoring of eruption materials.

Development of Technologies for the Observation and Forecasting of Volcanic Activities

Storm, Flood, and

Landslide

Accuracy in forecasting heavy rain, strong winds, floods, and high tides is still not high. To cope with this situation, we are developing technologies to detect extreme weather at an early stage, for example, forecasting torrential rain one-hour ahead, generating tornado alert information at the level of towns and villages, predicting inundation probabilistically, evaluating the risk of slope-failure and debris flow, predicting tide levels, and providing information on floods before the arrival of typhoons. In addition, we are working on the implementation of these technologies in society.

Development of flood disaster forecasting technologies based on multi-sensing

This is the world’s largest sprinkler system, with a capability of simulating rainfalls of 15 to 300 mm per hour. The facility can be used for research on the mechanisms of slope-failure, and for developing slope-failure prediction technologies based on slope monitoring. It can also be used in verification experiments to evaluate radars under heavy rain condition and in heavy rain experience activities as an educational purpose.

Researches using Large-scale Rainfall Simulator

14

Our objective is to clarify the mechanisms underlying meteorological, flood, and landslide disasters, to develop more precise observation and forecasting methods, and to mitigate flood and landslide disasters due to multiple factors.

Research on Prediction of Complex Water-related Disasters Storm, Flood, and Landslide Research Division

Observation network using sensing technologies

Inclination sensors (various)

Cloud radars (5)

Doppler lidars (3)

X-band MP radars (2)

Microwave radiometers (10)

Current velocity/wave height sensors (4)

Iriomote Island

Prediction based on simulation Implementation in societyAssimilation of observation data (every 10 minutes)

Cloud resolving model Torrential rain Tornado

Inundation prediction model urban flood damage

Ocean and ocean wave model High tides

Slope stability assessment model Slope failure

Debris flow risk assessment model Debris flow

Joint development with private companies

Training of local government staff regarding the use of information

Expert education in connection with the cooperative graduate school system

Data publishing and tool providing

Understanding needs through disaster investigation

Snow and Ice

Background

Efforts for disaster mitigation

Road closed area

Month

May

June

February

January

September

June

Insurance loss (billion US dollars)

Event

Rain and lLightning storm, hailstormHeavy rain and

strong winds

Heavy snow

Heavy snow

Hurricane

Lightning

Country

USA

France, Germany, Brazil

Japan

USA

Mexico

USA

2.9 3.7

2.7 3.1

2.5 5.0

1.7 2.5

1.6 3.2

1.3 1.7

Roofs collapsed due to snow load (January 2015)

Economic loss (billion US dollars)

Integration of monitoring technology

with forecasting technology

1. Development of current situation assessment technology for snow and ice-related disaster riskAssessing risk of various types of snow and ice-related disasters in real time using multi-sensing technologies and observation

Concentrated snowfall monitoring system Research and development on technology for assessment of snowfall and snow accumulation, based on the integration of radar and surface observation data

Multi-sensing Development of broad and detailed assessment of snowfall and snow accumulation information, based on the integration of estimated current situation and multi-sensing data

Incorporation of observed data in forecasting system Research and development on new detection technology for improved assessment of the risk of snow and ice-related disasters

Risk estimation technology of snow and ice-related disasters Development of new technology to detect information directly related to the risk of these disasters, such as snowdrift and snow accretion

Camera for detecting snow related disaster risk

2. Research on regional forecasting of snow and ice-related disastersPreparing a multi-real-time hazard map for snow and ice-related disasters by integrating the current situation and forecasted data of snow and ice-related disaster risk

Integration between current hazard assessment and forecasting Enhancement of regional forecasting technology for snow and ice-related disaster forecasting systems, based on integration with data obtained from actual measurement

Expanding the applicable range of forecasting system NIED expanded the application range of forecasting systems to the diversified snow and ice-related disasters, including wet-snow disasters, structural damage, sudden outbreaks of snow and ice-related disasters in urban areas or in not-snowy areas.

Multi-real-time hazard map

3. Research on application methods with the current disaster risk and forecasted information

■ Social experiments to investigate the most effective method to provide the current status and forecasted information on the risk for damage mitigation

■ Creating the scenarios for the comprehensive simulation of snow and ice-related disaster risk reduction

Supporting a safe and comfortable life in snowy region subject to heavy snowfall through prompt and appropriate response, based on the provision of precise information regarding snowfall and damageOutcome

Promoting research on snow and ice-related disasters with research institutions

National and local governments

Private companies

Other projects within NIED

Universities

Research institutionsOverseas

NIED

Information based on scientific evidence

Local governments, companies, NPOs, local communities, transportation infrastructure administrators, etc.

Needs of society

Stakeholders

Providing and using information on snow and ice-related disasters according to the needs of society

Current/forecasted status of snow and ice-related disasters

Input and test data for snow and ice-related

risk model

Integration

Real-time disaster forecasting based on assimilation of disaster phenomena

Blowing snow disasters, eastern Hokkaido, 2013-2015 South coast cyclone snowstorm, February 2014 Snow load Snow accretion

Meteorological forecast Detection of disaster phenomena

新型複合センサー網

危険 安全

Sudden outbreaks of snow and ice-related disasters in urban/not snowy areas

VALIDTIME：2015-12-03 13:00 +09:00

≪Damage≫ ≪Significant damage≫

15

By collaborating with our stakeholders, based on monitoring and prediction models for snow and ice-related disasters, we create and provide snow and ice-related damage information that matches their needs.

Fatalities: 100 to 200 people/year Approximately 2,500 fatalities in 15 years (including traffic accidents caused by snow or ice)

Heavy snowfall due to 2014 South-coast Cyclone Damage: 600 billion yen (World’s largest natural disaster damage in 2014)

Research and Development on Snow and Ice-related Disaster Forecasting System

Snow and Ice Research Division

Hazard/Risk

Assessment

　　

　　

　　

　　

In order to reinforce preparedness against earthquakes and tsunamis, we conduct research on enhancing nationwide seismic hazard maps and tsunami hazard evaluation targeted at the entire country. In addition, in order to support appropriate measures in different sectors in the event of an earthquake disaster, including the period of recovery and recuperation, we conduct research on methods of earthquake and tsunami risk assessment. This is carried out not only at the nationwide and large-scale level, with the aim of providing long-term, wide-area information, but also at the local level, with the aim of providing detailed local information. Based on this research, we are developing a hazard/risk information station for earthquakes and tsunamis.

Development of hazard/risk information stations for earthquakes and tsunamis

In order to align the research on the hazard/risk related to several types of natural disasters, such as wind, flood, and landslide disasters, with other research themes, we are developing a multi-hazard/risk evaluation method to integrate them. Moreover, we are enhancing a map system for past natural disasters in order to assess future risks based on experience.

Research on hazard/risk assessment for several types of natural disasters

With the aim of providing information to support appropriate measures immediately after the occurrence of natural disasters, we are developing technologies for real-time damage estimation and current situation assessment using unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) and sensor-networks, thereby enhancing current systems.

Research and development on real-time damage estimation and current situation assessment

We are conducting research on the use of research outputs, including several types of hazard/risk information obtained through the hazard/risk assessment, as well as information from real-time damage estimation and assessment of actual situations. The use of these research outputs will be carried out under a social perspective in alliance with related organizations, at both the local and international levels.

Regional and international expansion of research outputs

Natural disasters Earthquakes TsunamisObservation/

prediction

1. Development of hazard/risk information station for earthquakes and tsunamis・ Enhancement of tsunami hazard assessment, with the aim of providing nationwide seismic hazard maps and nationwide

tsunami hazard evaluation・ Research on risk assessment methods for earthquakes and tsunamis, including a nationwide outline version that covers

the entire period up to recovery and recuperation, and local versions that provide detailed information・ Research and development in alliance with related organizations that contribute to risk management in each sector,

with a problem-solving approach・ Using the results of the research for the development of hazard/risk information stations for earthquakes and tsunamis

4. Regional and international deployment of research results・ Regional deployment of hazard/risk assessment in alliance with related organizations・ International deployment of hazard/risk assessment based on alliance with NIED disaster-prevention organizations

in Sendai・ Close relation with research projects concerned with disaster countermeasures, which use and apply information

related to natural disasters

2. Research on hazard/risk assessment for various natural disastersConducting research on the assessment of various natural disasters, including those related to wind, flood, and landslide disasters, in coordination with other research themes, and developing a multi-hazard/risk assessment method to integrate them

3. Developing technologies for real-time damage estimation/ current situation assessment

Developing technologies for real-time damage estimation/current situation assessment using UAV and sensor networks with the objective of providing accurate information soon after the event of disasters, thereby enhancing these systems

Disaster-prevention simulation platforms

Disaster-prevention information systems

NIEDRegional and international deployment of research results based on alliance with related organizations

Hazard/risk assessmentOverview of the entire country

Detailed local information

Improvement of hazard/risk assessment methods Preparation of fundamental information necessary for assessment

Developing multi-hazard/risk assessment Enhancing past disaster map systems

Coordination with SIP (Strategic Innovation Promotion Program)

Risk management supportQuantitative evaluation of the effects of countermeasures

Building damageHuman damageEconomic damage

Topology, buildings, population, real-size experiments (results)Soil information, information on active faults, etc.

Volcanic eruptions

Wind- and flood-related disasters

Snow-related disasters

Local governments

National governments

Other projects

Overseas

Companies NPOs

Universities

Academic societies

Research organizations

16

We contribute to creating a society capable of implementing measures against disasters, based on hazard/risk assessment of several types of natural disasters, including earthquakes and tsunamis.

Assessing the Possibilities of Several Types of Disaster and the Vulnerability of Society

Integrated Research on Disaster Risk Reduction Division

Information and Countermeasures/

Technologies

We conduct research and development on platforms to support the investigation and execution of measures related to prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery, by means of the integration of information and through the alliance of related organizations.

Research and development on platforms for the sharing, use, and application of informationBOSAI-DRIP

2

Research and development on methods and technologies for various types of disaster countermeasures

Practical implementation of local disaster resilience based on disaster risk information

Fast and appropriate disaster response

[Improving prevention capability]Research and development on methods and technologies to promote cooperative preventive measures, based on local disaster risks, application of hazard maps, damage predictions, and past damage history data

[Improving response capability]Research and development on methods and technologies to enable rapid and appropriate decision-making, based on the sharing of disaster-related information among various organizations and a unified interpretation of the situation

“Build Back Better” based on continuous alliance of organizations

[Improving recovery capability]Effective recovery activities, based on information sharing learned from the disaster response, as well as research and development on methods and technologies to support new paths for recovery, based on the experience of past disasters and the evaluation of future risks

Practical implementation of disaster education with the community’s collaboration

National government (ministries and agencies)

Local governments

Universities, research centers, etc.

Decision-making based on information integration

Long-term sharing and management of disaster conditions

“e-community platform”

Damage predictions, fundamental maps, etc.

Hazard maps, evacuation center information, etc.

Various types of disaster hazard/risk information, etc.

17

We conduct research and development on countermeasures and technologies devoted to improving capability of prevention, mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery by means of the alliance and collaboration with society as a whole, through the sharing, use, and application of information.

Improving Disaster Resilience as a Whole, Based on the Sharing, Use, and Application of Information

Integrated Research on Disaster Risk Reduction Division

Earthquake Disaster

Mitigation

To ensure a more resilient nation prepared for large earthquakes:Japan frequently suffers from severe earthquake disasters, such as the 1995 Southern Hyogo Prefecture Earthquake and the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake. These earthquakes significantly afflicted lives and property, and also caused serious economic disruption. Currently, there are great concerns about the potential damage caused by possible large earthquakes including the anticipated Nankai Trough Earthquake and a near-field earthquake in the Tokyo Metropolitan area. Achievement of a resilient nation including earthquake disaster prevention and damage mitigation is indispensable for our existence and continual development.In order to enhance the resilience of the nation to earthquake disasters, we promote research on improving disaster mitigation technologies, enhancing the resilience of the nation, and developing of simulation technology. At NIED, these research activities are implemented using NIED’s research infrastructure including “E-Defense,” the Three-Dimensional Full-Scale Earthquake Testing Facility at which shake-table tests are carried out to simulate damage and to evaluate seismic performance and mitigation technologies. Furthermore, in addition to the stable operation of E-Defense, we share this testing facility with other institutions and provide experimental data to researchers and engineers to promote research on disaster mitigation in Japan.

Experimental research for enhancing disaster mitigation technology and resilience of the nation to large earthquakes:

Operating E-Defense and promoting utilization of the facility:

At E-Defense, we acquire, accumulate and analyze experimental data obtained from large-scale state-of-the-art shaking tests on full-scale structures. Until now, we have carried out numerous shaking tests to investigate the collapse process and mechanisms of various structures including reinforced concrete buildings, steel-frame buildings and wooden houses. We have also implemented tests to examine the seismic behavior of indoor space of high-rise buildings, schools, hospitals and other structures. Utilizing E-Defense and other research facilities, we continue to demonstrate collapse behavior and to evaluate effectiveness of mitigation technologies with a focus on: research and development of seismic performance assessment, response control technology and serviceability continuation technology as well as investigating the behavior of infrastructures during earthquakes.

E-Defense shaking table

Research on simulation technology for evaluating seismic performance:

To operate E-Defense effectively, efficiently and safely, we consistently implement maintenance and management. As of March 2016, we have successfully completed 80 shaking tests since the launch of E-Defense. Furthermore, in order to promote research on earthquake disaster mitigation, we conduct research projects in collaboration with external organizations, lease the testing facility, and provide experimental data and images through our website.

In order to better utilize the numerical simulation technology “E-Simulator” – which simulates an E-Defense shaking test for seismic performance evaluation - we implement research to improve its performance and usability. We also develop visualization technology for applying E-Defense test and simulation findings into education for greater awareness regarding disasters.

Specification of E-Defense

“E-Defense”

E-Defense is the nickname of the 3-D full-scale earthquake testing facility. “E” refers to “Earth” and “Defense” represents our desire to prevent disasters from occurring at a global level and to protect people’s lives and property. The logo, which was selected through a public contest, symbolizes cracks on the earth from earthquakes, with three colors representing E-Defense’s 3-D simulation.

E-Defense

E-Defense shaking tests

Open access of experimental data and images Shaking tests for collaborative research projects / Leasing of testing facility

Maintenance and management of E-Defense

E-Simulator results and their visualization

Hospital interior

Wooden houses

Superimposition of experimental/simulation results

Reinforced concrete building Steel frame building Building with large space such as a gymnasium

Reinforced concrete building Steel frame building Building with large space such as a gymnasium

Loading capacity 1,200 tShaking table area 20 m × 15 m = 300 m2

Shaking direction Horizontal (front-back/left-right) Vertical (Up-down)

Maximum acceleration 900 cm/s2 or higher 1,500 cm/s2 or higherMaximum velocity 200 cm/s 70 cm/s

Maximum displacement ±100 cm ±50 cm

18

We utilize E-Defense to simulate earthquake damage and to evaluate seismic performance and disaster mitigation technologies, aiming to enhance these technologies and the resilience of the nation to large earthquakes.

Enhancing the Resilience of the Nation to Large Earthquakes

Earthquake Disaster Mitigation Research Division

Earthquakes, tsunamis,

and volcanic eruptions

Observation networks covering both land and ocean areas for earthquake, tsunami and volcano

0 100 200 300 400 500 km

防災科学技術研究所F-net

Hi-net/KiK-net

K-NET

V-net

S-net

水圧計（相模湾）DONET1/2

Network Center for Earthquake, Tsunami, and Volcano

Observing node (top) and land station (bottom) of DONET Installation work (top) and land station (bottom) of S-net

Observation station of K-NETObservation station of Hi-net/ KiK-net Observation station of F-net

Observation station of V-net

0 100 200 300 400 500 km

19

With high-performance and accuracy seismographs distributed across Japan, NIED observes various types of seismic motions (from weak to strong) and tsunami behavior. NIED also monitors volcanoes with the volcano observation network.

NIEDF-netHi-net/KiK-netK-NETV-netS-netWater pressure gauge (Sagami Bay)DONET1/2

Toward Damage Estimation by Earthquakes, Tsunamis, and Volcanic Eruptions in Real-time Using Network Data

Background underlying the construction of observation networks

The Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake disaster in January 1995 highlighted an insufficient spatial distribution of strong motion observatories in Japan that causes difficulty in an initial emergency response. Moreover, the “Act on Special Measures for Earthquake Disaster Countermeasures” became effective with the objective of promoting the investigation and research on earthquakes. Based on this law, the “Headquarters for Earthquake Research Promotion” was established under the Cabinet Office (currently the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology). Among the important tasks undertaken by the Headquarters, NIED became responsible for performing the nation-wide earthquake observation using high-sensitivity seismographs on land for microearthquake, the observation using broadband seismographs, and the observation for strong ground motions. As the magnitude and period ranges of seismic motions are extremely wide, three types of seismographs are used according to the objective of the observation.In sea areas, NIED began to construct the S-net (Seafloor observation network for earthquakes and tsunamis along theJapan Trench) after the March 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and became an administrator of the DONET (Dense

Kyoshin Network (K-NET)Kiban-Kyoshin Network (KiK-net)

K-NET and KiK-net are observation networks made up of strong motion seismographs that can precisely record strong shakings, which would cause damages on buildings, without scale out. K-NET has approximately 1,000 observation stations all over Japan, and KiK-net has approximately 700 stations, which forms a vertical array with seismographs installed on ground and in the borehole, sharing the observatory with Hi-net. In addition to precisely recording of waveforms, K-NET and KiK-net have a function of seismic intensity meters. The observed data are used not only for seismic hazard and risk evaluation but also for visualization of the current ground motions as “Kyoshin monitor”.

Seafloor observation network for earthquakes and tsunamis along the Japan Trench (S-net)Dense Oceanfloor Network system for Earthquakes and Tsunamis (DONET)

Volcano Observation Network (V-net)

High Sensitivity Seismograph Network (Hi-net)

Broadband Seismograph Network (F-net)

Hi-net is an observation network made up of high-sensitivity seismographs installed at 800 locations all over the country in intervals of approximately 20 km. In order to obtain precise records of weak vibrations, the seismographs are installed at the bottom of boreholes at a depth of 100–3500 m, to avoid noise. The observed data are used for the research on microearthquakes and for the earthquake early warning system.

F-net broadband seismograph can record ground motions in broad frequency range, from rapid to very slow oscillations. Using such a seismograph, we can analyze source mechanisms and source processes of large earthquakes all over the world.

S-net is a system made up of seismographs and water pressure gauges installed at the bottom of offshore areas from Hokkaido to Chiba Prefecture. The number of observation facilities is 150, and the system represents the world’s largest seafloor earthquake and tsunami observation network. DONET is a system developed by JAMSTEC that extends from the sea of Kumano-Nada to off the Kii Channel along the Nankai Trough region. The responsibility of its operation was transferred to NIED to operate the two seafloor networks in an integrated manner. Expected benefits include the early detection of earthquakes and tsunamis, and the early issuance of earthquake and tsunami early warnings.

V-net is an infrastructure consisting of a volcano observation network implemented on 16 volcanos with the objective of predicting volcanic eruptions and preventing volcanic disasters.The network uses buried inclinometers, which were able to detect signs of eruptions at the Miyake-jima, Izu-Oshima, and Eastern Izu Peninsula in the 1980’s. In addition, it uses GNSS to assess the conditions of accumulated magma and broadband seismographs to identify the status of eruptions.Moreover, radar interferometers are installed on Mount Asama to monitor the ground deformation. Using such equipment, it is possible to observe the entire process from magma accumulation and displacement to eruption.

S-net observation equipment DONET observation equipment

Strong motion seismograph Kyoshin monitor

Broadband seismograph

(a) Pressure-resistant capsule (b) High-sensitivity velocity seismograph (horizontal component)(c) Strong earthquake seismograph (three components for KiK-net)(d) High-sensitivity velocity seismograph (horizontal component)(e) High-sensitivity velocity seismograph (vertical component)(f) High-sensitivity acceleration seismograph (horizontal components)

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

0

50

100cm

Example configuration of a Hi-net seismograph unit

Radar interferometer (Mount Asama)

Oceanfloor Network system for Earthquakes and Tsunamis) originally constructed by JAMSTEC. In April 2016, these two seafloor networks were integrated with the land observation network as the Land and Sea Integrated Earthquake and Tsunami Observation Network, closely cooperated with the research and development.Moreover, according to policy suggested by experts committee (Volcano Department, Subdivision on Geodesy, Council for Science and Technology, December 2008), the installation and operation of observation facilities is under way in high-priority areas. The resulting data will be used by NIED for research and development purposes, by universities for research purposes, and by the Japan Meteorological Agency for volcano monitoring.

20

StrongStrong motion seismograph

Broadband seismograph

High-sensitivity seismograph

WeakSlow Fast

Information Sharing

Information archive We collect, organize, store, and provide various materials (documents, maps, photographs, etc.) and research results at the Disaster Information Library. Moreover, we are engaged in forming a national network of related institutions and organizations.

Open data initiative and sharing of information After digitization process, compiled materials undergo copyright-related processing and are sequentially published on the Website according to the Government’s open data policy, starting from the ones that have been given permission.

Towards becoming an information hub regarding disastersIn the event of a disaster, a “NIED Crisis Response Site (NIED-CRS)” is set up to serve as a hub that consolidates information provided from various organizations, in addition to information acquired by observation, evaluation, and survey. The information is compiled and released in a format that can be utilized by organizations in charge of disaster response.

Center for Comprehensive Management of Disaster Information

Disaster Information Library

Digital Archive on Geomorphological Classification Maps of Flood-Stricken Areas Digital Archive on 1964 Niigata Earthquake

NIED-CRS on the Kanto-Tohoku Heavy Rainfall Disaster in September 2015 NIED-CRS on the Kumamoto Earthquake in 2016

21

The objective of our Center is to make use of various types of information regarding the prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery from disasters. It has the mission of providing society with intelligence from the compilation of past disaster records, on current disaster conditions, and on the prediction of future disasters, in partnership with government institutions, research centers, universities, etc.

Constitution of Integrated Intelligence for Disaster Resilience

Resilience

SIP (Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program)SIP (Cross-ministerial Strategic Innovation Promotion Program) is one of the three arrows to enhance the headquar ter function of the Council for Science, Technology, and Innovation. The Council has selected programs that are necessary to society and constitute important topics for the competitiveness of the Japanese economy and industry. These programs are being dealt with in several fields, involving several ministries and agencies.

Enhancement of resilient function of disaster prevention and mitigation and roles of NIED

“Enhancement of Societal Resiliency against Natural Disasters” is one of the programs of SIP. This consists of seven research and development programs related to the disaster prediction, prevention, and response based on the principle of “sharing disaster-related information (resilience information network).” SIP’s objectives include protecting our country from future large-scale disasters, promoting safety and security of the citizens, and securing our country’s international presence and industrial power.NIED also promotes collaboration with other organizations with respect to four specific programs. These consist of Program 1: “Development of Tsunami Forecast Technologies”; Program 2: “Development of Heavy Rain and Tornado Prediction Technology”; Program 4: “Research and Development on Information-sharing Systems Using ICT and Technologies Applied to Disaster Resilience Organizations”; and Program 5: “Research and Development on Disaster Information Collection System and Real-time Damage Estimation System”.

Program 1: Development of Tsunami Forecast Technology

Program 2: Development of Heavy Rain and Tornado Prediction Technology

Program 4: Research and Development on Information-sharing Systems Using ICT and Technologies Applied to Disaster Resilience Organizations

Program 5: Research and Development on Disaster Information Collection System and Real-time Damage Estimation SystemResilient1 Resilience2 Promptly rebounding, regaining, and recovering.

22

In collaboration with related organizations, ministries, and agencies, we will strengthen the advantages of NIED (tsunami forecast, torrential rain and tornados forecasting, sharing and utilization of information, real-time damage estimation system) and accelerate their implementation into society.

Promotion of SIP “Enhancement of Resilient Function for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation”

Research Center for Reinforcement of Resilient Function

Innovation Hub for

Meteorology

NIED aims to construct a “hub center for research and human resources” through the combination of the three areas of technologies shown in Figure 1, namely the observation, modeling, and development of user systems.Modeling technologies have to satisfy numerous requirements arising from user needs. At the same time, they have to satisfy several system-related requirements related to observation. In connection with this, observed data are fed into modeling technology, and the products generated are in turn fed into user systems technology.Based on this two-way flow of information, we aspire to build a “hub” together with our stakeholders where people can get together to share ideas, technology, and information.

NIED’s Knowledge 【monitoring and forecasting technologies】

Knowledge-based/Basic Researches

Meteorological Disaster

Snow and Ice-related Disaster

Landslide Disaster

Wind-induced Disaster

Utilization of New TechnologyActualization Technology/Development of Element Technology

Next-generation Sensing Technology

Risk Communication Technology

Non-contact/Broad areaLow cost/Multipoint expansion

Developmentof new sensorsDevelopmentof new sensors

IoTplatform

IoT/Big dataIoT/Big data SimulationSimulation

Utilization of existing dataData cooperation/integrationData cooperation/integration

Risk communication modelCreation of Information ProductsCreation of Information ProductsSpecialistsandCitizens

SpecialistsandCitizens

① Share of risk management knowledge② Knowing meteorological hazard risk③ Judgment　　④ Behavior

① Share of risk management knowledge② Knowing meteorological hazard risk③ Judgment　　④ Behavior

Cooperation with Stakeholders and Corresponding to Their NeedsSystem Construction/Technology Integration

Citizens

Transportation Infrastructure/Distribution

Industries

Region

Decision-making behavior by individualat time of disaster/at normal times

Decision-making behavior by individualat time of disaster/at normal times

Supply chain management system etc.Supply chain management system etc.

Business continuation at time of disasterand economic ripple effect

Business continuation at time of disasterand economic ripple effect

Houses in danger of collapse

Implementation of regional disaster prevention system and dissemination of the system to other regions

Implementation of regional disaster prevention system and dissemination of the system to other regions

IoT Information Technology

１．Innovation hub built by NIED

２．Overall picture of technologies involved in the construction of the innovation hub

Figure 2 shows the overall picture of technologies involved in the construction of an innovation hub, regarding “Observation,” “Modeling,” and “Construction of user systems” referred to in Figure 1.The right part (pink) represents system construction and integration technologies for the four categories of users. The middle part (orange) represents implementation technologies and element technology development, which is composed of “next-generation sensing technologies, including the development of Doppler lidar and low-cost sensors,” “Internet of Things (IoT) information technology for big data processing and analysis,” and “information productization technology considering risk communication.”The left part (green) corresponds to observation and forecasting simulation technologies for fundamental knowledge and basic research. This fundamental knowledge and basic research combined with implementation technologies and element technology development constitute the technological core of “aggressive disaster risk reduction.” System construction is focused on each user to create new predictive information and mechanisms.

Figure 1: Innovation hub built by NIED

Figure 2:

People learn from each other to improve the ability to maintain the function of society by getting together

with technologies and information

Stakeholders and collaborative organizations work togetherHub center for research and human resources

System requirements

Observation Modeling Development of user systems

Data Information products

System requirements

23

By integrating human resources, information, and technologies from across industry, academia, and government, this Center intends to promote the practical implementation of research results in society. This will be done by constructing systems using meteorological disaster prediction information, and by conducting the performance evaluation and standardization of measuring technologies regarding disaster risk reduction.

Hub Center for Research and Human Resources by Collecting Human Resource, Information, and Technology from across Industry, Academia, and Government

Innovation Center for Meteorological Disaster Mitigation

Volcano

Development of centralizing-sharing system for volcano observation dataWe will promote sharing the volcano observation data by developing the data centralizing-sharing system, coordinating with individual organizations and researchers. The data centralizing-sharing system is equipped with visualization tools and is implemented with processing technologies needed to decide branching in the eruption event tree. We aim to contribute to mitigating volcanic hazards by promoting local governments and administrative agencies to utilize the obtained data and research outcomes through the data centralizing-sharing system for their disaster response.

Development of volcano observation technology by utilizing remote sensing techniqueSurface phenomena associated with volcanic activity can be found at the near vent. In order to correctly perceive a volcanic activity, we need a technology to accurately observe such surface phenomena from remote locations. Therefore, we develop technologies regarding a portable radar interferometer and satellite SAR to observe crustal deformation and surface phenomena information capture (SPIC) to measure thermal and gas distribution around a vent.

Development of method to predict eruption hazards through simulationWe are establishing a standard to judge which branch of eruption event tree to take, through the development of simulating technology to assess the magma migration process leading to an eruption, as well as the experiment to improve a physical model of the magma. We are also developing a technology to provide information that contributes to the countermeasures against risks of various volcanic disasters such as ash fall, volcanic fume, lava flow, and falling stone and the crisis response for a volcanic eruption.

Center for Integrated Volcano Research

Simulation of building damage estimation due to a virtual lava flow at Mt. Fuji

Development of information tool for volcanic disaster mitigationWe develop an information tool used for volcanic disaster mitigation. Using the information tool, we provide observation data and research outcomes to the local government officers who are in charge of volcanic disaster management. In addition, we make a risk assessment of ash fall in urban areas for estimation of the damage caused by ash fall using the information tool.

Provide the information via WebGIS

24

We will forecast the progress of volcanic activities and the occurrence of volcanic hazards by observing volcanoes, and conduct an integrated research and development to provide society with technologies that are useful for volcanic disaster countermeasures.

① Distribution/sharing system for volcanic observation data

Existing system for the distribution, sharing, and release of real-time data. This system shall be improved to allow distribution of new data.

Development systems (off-line versions of ②, ③)

Processed data, off-line data, raw data indices, etc. are accumulated, saved, and shared in databases. Databases comply with the international WOVOdata database norm.

Event tree system working with databases

Observation data and processing results shown as WEB-GIS and graphs

Information platform for disaster countermeasures for local governments and individuals, disaster response tools

③ Centralized data sharing system for volcanic observation data

④ Disaster risk reduction information platform for data utilization

② Real-time data processing system

System for processing the real-time data. In addition to the existing processes, new technologies developed in the other research programs will be implemented.

NIED V-net

Volcano observation data from each

organization

Off-line data, images, text data, etc.

Overseas database, etc.

Contents

Individuals, companies

Satellite SAR

SPIC (Field type)

Portable Radar Interferometer

(Vehicle-mounted)

Portable Radar Interferometer

(Ground-based)

Local governments

Volcano experts

⑤ Development of centralized data processing technology ⑥ Efforts to disseminate the systems

Event tree system

(Tentative name)Volcanic electronic chart system

Tools for individuals and corporations

Actions to prevent the disasters and the expansion of dam

ageResearch and development advice to local governments

Utilization system for disaster response support

Integrated Evaluation of Volcanic Activities and Mitigation of Volcanic Hazards

InternationalActivities

25

International Research Cooperation

International Conferences

International Contributions

● GEM (Global Earthquake Model Foundation)NIED has joined GEM as a governing board member to promote the development of international earthquake hazard risk assessment method and the establishment of related information infrastructure.

● U.S. – Japan Earthquake Engineering Research Using E-DefenseA number of collaborative research projects using E-Defense and U.S. facilities are conducted based on the agreement on earthquake engineering research.

● Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)NIED and PHIVOLCS carry out collaborative research on earthquake, tsunami, and volcanic disaster risk reduction.

● Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography Chinese Academy of Science (XIEG)NIED conducts research activities with XIEG relating to earth science and disaster prevention in the cryosphere in a changing climate.

● University of Basilicata, Italy (UNIBAS)NIED and UNIBAS have signed a memorandum to develop and disseminate theories and technologies for contributing to the prevention and mitigation of hydrological disasters and sustainable development.

● Taiwan Earthquake Model, TEMTEM, comprised of earthquake researchers from academia and research institutes in Taiwan, was established in 2012 to study the probability of seismic hazard and risk analysis. NIED and TEM annually co-sponsor a workshop focused on seismic hazard assessment.

● USMCA (Urban Safety of Megacities in Asia)An international symposium on new technology for urban safety of megacities in Asia was held at Kathmandu, Nepal, at the end of October 2015. NIED’s researchers presented their research outcomes at the symposium, including: “damage mapping by low-altitude aerial photos”, “investigation of damage to buildings and ground truth verification for satellite data”, and “introduction of disaster information sharing system”.

● Nepal (Gorkha) Earthquake Damage InvestigationAfter the 2015 Gorkha Nepal Earthquake, NIED formed a damage survey team and dispatched it to the earthquake affected areas to investigate damage using NIED’s research.

Agreement with GEM（Global Earthquake Model）Foundation

TEM (Taiwan Earthquake Model) Workshop

Field survey conducted at Nepal after Gorkha Earthquake

Damage survey using aerial photos taken from a helicopter

USMCA Symposium

Vigorous discussion at

an international conference

NIED’s Major International Research Activities

National Research and Development Agency

National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster ResilienceNIED aims to realize a society resilient to natural disasters through improving the level of science and technology for disaster risk reduction.

Location

Directions to NIED

Facilities

By Tsukuba Express (TX)From Tsukuba Station, take either the “Tsuku Bus” northern route shuttle bound for “Tsukubasan-guchi” or the Kanto Tetsudo bus bound for “Techno Park Oho.” It is an approximately �ve-minute walk from both the “Hanabatake” bus stop of the “Tsuku Bus” and the “Bosai-kagiken” bus stop of the Kanto Tetsudo bus.

By highway bus / route busTake an express bus from JR Tokyo Station or a route bus from Joban Line Hitachinoushiku Station, Arakawaoki Station, or Tsuchiura Station bound for Tsukuba Center (TX Tsukuba Station). From Tsukuba Station, take either the “Tsuku Bus” or the Kanto Tetsudo bus mentioned above.

By carGet o� at the Yatabe Interchange or the Sakura Tsuchiura Interchange and take Higashi-Odori northbound toward Mt. Tsukuba. NIED is located on Higashi-Odori.

National Research and Development Agency National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Resilience (NIED)URL : http: //www.bosai.go.jp/

Headquarters3-1, Tennodai, Tsukuba-shi, Ibaraki-ken, 305-0006 JapanPhone +81-29-851-1611 Fax +81-29-851-3246E-mail : toiawase@bosai.go.jp

Snow and Ice Research Center187-16, Maeyama, Suyoshi-machi Nagaoka-shi, Niigata-ken, 940-0821, JapanPhone +81-258-35-7520 Fax +81-258-35-0020

Shinjo Cryospheric Environment Laboratory, Snow and Ice Research Center1400, Takadan, Toka-machi, Shinjo-shi, Yamagata-ken, 996-0091, JapanPhone +81-233-22-7550 Fax +81-233-22-7554

Hyogo Earthquake Engineering Research Center1501-21, Nishikameya, Mitsuda, Shijimi-cho, Miki-shi, Hyogo-ken, 673-0515, JapanPhone +81-794-85-8211 Fax +81-794-85-7994

NIED

site area