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Earth and Planetary Science
Earth and Planetary Science covers an amazing multiplicity of fields, from study of the solid Earth, atmosphere and oceans, and surface environments, including the biosphere, to planets in the solar system, and space beyond it. Moreover, it encompasses a wide range of time spans, from the evolution of the solar system to the future of the Earth, from billions of years to hours or less. Diverse research methods are thus required for such a wide variety of research fields, including field work, observation, laboratory experiments, chemical analyses, theoretical modeling, and simulations. In order to understand the entire large-scale and complex Earth and planetary system, interdisciplinary research and education is strongly encouraged.
The collaboration among the five core research groups in the department — Atmospheric and Oceanic Science, Space and Planetary Science, Earth and Planetary System Science, Solid Earth Science, and Geosphere and Biosphere Science — as well as with affiliated institutions has made the Earth and Planetary Science Department a core academic base for both research and education in Earth and Planetary Science in Japan.
The Department's educational programs aim to train doctoral-level researchers to become leading figures in their respective fields and master's degree-level graduate students to take important positions in government, industry, and education. Students are also attracted to the Department because of its social relevance. The Department contributes directly to society through participation in national and international programs of applied research in areas such as global climate change or mitigating catastrophic damage from earthquakes.