Research | Hydrology Lab

Research Topics

Research Overview

Our laboratory aims to elucidate the "water cycle" from the atmosphere to the surface and underground, actively incorporating the latest deep learning (AI) techniques. By integrating conventional physically-based models with cutting-edge data-driven approaches, we strive not only to improve prediction accuracy but also to gain a fundamental understanding of hydrological phenomena.

Utilization and Application of AI (Deep Learning) in Hydrology and Earth Sciences

AI (Deep Learning) is currently being adopted across all fields, with rapid development and evolution. We are introducing methods and theories developed in other disciplines into the fields of hydrology and earth sciences. However, many challenges remain to be addressed for practical application to real-world phenomena. We are tackling these issues while developing methods specifically suited for hydrology and earth sciences.

Prediction and Mechanism Elucidation of Heavy Rainfall

In recent years, severe heavy rainfall disasters have occurred frequently across Japan. Particularly in the Kyushu region, devastating events such as the Northern Kyushu Heavy Rainfall in 2017 and the July 2020 Heavy Rain (Kuma River system) have caused tremendous damage. Our laboratory investigates the generation mechanisms of these heavy rainfall events using diverse observational data combined with numerical simulations using regional weather models. In addition, with a view to climate change countermeasures, we are conducting local-level heavy rainfall prediction through "dynamical downscaling" of future climate prediction data, as well as estimating "Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP)" for various basins using regional atmospheric models.

Climate Change Impact Assessment

Addressing climate change has become an extremely important issue both domestically and internationally. Effective countermeasures require a proper understanding of the impacts of climate change. We are advancing impact assessments of climate change on various phenomena.

Research on Water Cycle Including Groundwater

We are advancing research related to the water cycle in Kumamoto and other regions. In Kumamoto specifically, groundwater is a vital water resource, making its understanding and future prediction urgent issues.