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Seismic Observation Lab
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The lab continues to observe earthquakes and volcanoes in the field in Hokkaido.
AboutAbout the lab
Observing earthquakes in Hokkaido to uncover how they work
The Seismic Observation Lab studies the mechanisms of earthquakes and volcanic activity based on observations of earthquakes and crustal deformation.
Data from several dozen observation stations across Hokkaido arrive in Sapporo in real time, and the lab uses them to monitor daily seismic activity.
The lab values going out into the field to collect data in person, such as climbing active volcanoes like Mt. Tokachidake and Mt. Meakandake with equipment on their backs.
The lab also takes part in international joint research with researchers in Russia and China, and in seafloor observations off the Pacific coast of Hokkaido.
Key terms
- GNSS
- A system that determines position using radio signals from satellites. GPS, used in car navigation and elsewhere, is one example.
- Crustal deformation
- Slow movement, stretching, or shrinking of the ground. It occurs along with earthquakes and volcanic activity.
- Seismic quiescence
- A state in which the number of small earthquakes that had been occurring in an area drops noticeably.
NewsLab news
Conducted a seafloor crustal deformation observation cruise off Aomori Prefecture and the Pacific coast of Hokkaido, jointly with JAMSTEC and Tohoku University
Discovered crustal deformation synchronized with the earthquake swarm near the Tokara Islands, through joint research with Tohoku University and Kagoshima University
The Faculty of Science signed an agreement with the Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau for collaboration and cooperation on research into earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
A joint research team confirmed strain accumulation along the Kuril Trench through seafloor observations
The Institute of Seismology and Volcanology held an orientation session on lab assignment for third-year students in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
ResearchResearch themes
Mainly in Hokkaido, where earthquake and volcanic activity is high, the lab continues observations using seismometers and GNSS. From the data obtained, it aims to clarify the mechanisms of earthquakes and volcanic activity and to contribute to disaster mitigation.
*Illustrative imageExploring earthquakes and volcanoes through crustal deformation
Using GNSS to measure ground-surface movement with high precision, the lab investigates how earthquakes and volcanic activity occur and builds models of them. It has set up stations in northern and eastern Hokkaido and also conducts GNSS observations at the Kussharo Caldera.
*Illustrative imagePreparing for super-giant earthquakes on the seafloor
Along the Pacific coast of Hokkaido, the occurrence of a super-giant earthquake is imminent. The lab installs instruments that measure crustal deformation on the seafloor and conducts comprehensive observations to clarify how strain is accumulating on the plate boundary.
*Illustrative imagePlate motion in East Asia
Large earthquakes on the Sea of Japan side of Hokkaido are thought to be caused by the continental plate moving eastward and colliding with Hokkaido. In cooperation with research institutions in Russia and China, the lab studies plate motion in Northeast Asia.
*Illustrative imageSearching for precursors of giant earthquakes
Among seismologists, it is commonly accepted that predicting giant earthquakes is nearly impossible. The lab asks whether this is really true, and focuses on changes over time in seismic activity before giant earthquakes, especially seismic quiescence.
MembersFaculty
Members of the Seismic Observation Lab consist of faculty, technical staff, postdoctoral researchers, part-time researchers, research support staff, professors emeritus, and master's and undergraduate students.As of 2026
- ProfessorHiroaki Takahashi
- ProfessorMako Ohzono
- Associate ProfessorKei Katsumata
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RelatedLabs similar to Seismic Observation Lab
Volcanic Activity LabFaculty of Science, Department of Earth and Planetary SciencesVolcano physics and seismology
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Petrology and Volcanology LabFaculty of Science, Department of Earth and Planetary SciencesPetrology and geochemistry, petrology and mineral deposits, …The information on this page is compiled by the LabLog team from the lab's public information and interviews. For corrections or removal requests, please contact LabLog, not the lab.
Report an errorAbout the images
The top and research theme images are illustrative and were not taken at the lab. They are cropped from Wikimedia Commons images. Cropped CC BY-SA images are provided under the same CC BY-SA license as the original (version shown on each line).
- Top image: “Seismogram at Weston Observatory” Z22 / CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped)
- Exploring earthquakes and volcanoes through crustal deformation: “Lake ice in Kussharo and Mashū Calderas” pyjeo / CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped)
- Preparing for super-giant earthquakes on the seafloor: “GEOFLAMME cruise - Underwater photo of an Ocean-Bottom Seismometers (OBS) on the seafloor (Ifremer )” Ifremer / CC BY 4.0 (cropped)
- Plate motion in East Asia: “Quake epicenters 1963-98 notitle” NASA / Public domain (cropped)
- Searching for precursors of giant earthquakes: “2014 American Canyon earthquake seismometer” DarTar / CC BY 3.0 (cropped)
- Related lab (火山
活動研究分野): “Mount Usu from Shōwa-shinzan ( )” Hiroshi Nakai / CC BY 2.0 (cropped) - Related lab (宇宙測地学研究室): “Sisters07 TheHusband gps station 05-10-07” Dave Sherrod, en:United States Geological Survey / Public domain (cropped)
- Related lab (海底地震・津波研究分野): “Blooms off Japan (MODIS )” MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC / Public domain (cropped)
- Related lab (岩石学火山学研究グループ): “Sarychev Volcano edit” Sarychev_Volcano.jpg: NASA derivative work: Avenue (talk) / Public domain (cropped)
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