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Nakao Lab
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The lab explores the invisible interior of the Earth by fusing multiple datasets with fluid dynamics theory.
AboutAbout the lab
Seeing the unseen through data and physics.
Using the approach of data assimilation, which fuses multiple datasets with fluid dynamics theory, Nakao Lab studies the mechanisms of complex phenomena that cannot be observed directly, such as those in the Earth's interior.
The lab works on reconstructing the history of mantle convection and on analyzing plate tectonics data related to earthquakes and volcanoes.
If you are interested in using mathematical science to see the unseen, the lab plans to explore subjects beyond earth science together with you, such as flows in structures and living bodies, and human flow.
Key terms
- Data assimilation
- An approach that fuses multiple datasets with fluid dynamics theory to reconstruct the state of an unobservable interior
- Mantle convection
- The flow within the Earth's mantle. Part of it appears as plate motion and drives earthquakes and volcanic eruptions
- Subduction zone
- A region, such as the Japanese archipelago, characterized by large earthquakes and explosive volcanic eruptions
NewsLab news
Paper on data assimilation of mantle convection using a Physics-Informed Neural Network published in JGR:ML, with a press release
Paper on four-dimensional variational data assimilation of indoor thermal convection experiments published in Scientific Reports
Paper on four-dimensional variational Marker-in-Cell data assimilation published in JGR:ML
Nakao Lab was launched and its website opened
ResearchResearch themes
The lab uses data science approaches together with fluid dynamics and numerical modeling to elucidate the physical processes and mechanisms of complex phenomena that cannot be observed directly, such as those in the Earth's interior. It works on reconstructing mantle convection and analyzing plate tectonics data.
*Illustrative imageData Assimilation for Reconstructing Mantle Convection
The lab fuses indirect data, such as seismic tomography, plate motions, and rock records, with fluid dynamics theory using data assimilation. It develops methods to quantitatively reconstruct the history of the mantle's temperature, flow, and material circulation.
*Illustrative imageJoint Data Analysis of Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Plates
The lab analyzes plate tectonics data observed at subduction zones around the world using data-driven methods. It extracts the key parameters that govern complex phenomena such as large earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, and builds predictive models.
MembersFaculty
The members of Nakao Lab are faculty members, master's students, and undergraduate students.As of 2026
- Assistant ProfessorAtsushi Nakao
VoicesStudent voices
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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: “Plate tectonics map” nagualdesign / Public domain (cropped)
- Data Assimilation for Reconstructing Mantle Convection: “The volcanic outcrop - geograph.org.uk - 7487028” Malcolm Neal / CC BY-SA 2.0 (cropped)
- Joint Data Analysis of Earthquakes, Volcanoes, and Plates: “001 Volcano eruption of Litli-Hrútur in Iceland in 2023 Photo by Giles Laurent” Giles Laurent / CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped)
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