Research | Hydrology Lab

Research Topics

Research Overview

Our laboratory investigates the water cycle—from the atmosphere and land surface to the subsurface—actively incorporating the latest advances in deep learning (AI). By integrating physically based models with state-of-the-art data-driven approaches, we aim not only to improve predictive accuracy but also to deepen our fundamental understanding of hydrological processes.

AI and Deep Learning in Hydrology and Earth Sciences

Deep learning (AI) is advancing rapidly and transforming research across disciplines. While we actively adapt methods and theories pioneered in computer science to hydrology and the earth sciences, applying them reliably to real-world natural phenomena still poses significant challenges. We address these challenges by developing models and frameworks specifically tailored to hydrological and earth science applications.

Mechanisms and Prediction of Heavy Rainfall

Severe rainfall disasters have struck Japan with increasing frequency in recent years, including devastating events in Kyushu such as the July 2017 Northern Kyushu Heavy Rainfall and the July 2020 heavy rain event in the Kuma River basin. Localized downpours causing both fluvial and pluvial flooding now occur almost every year. Combining diverse observations—from satellites, weather radar, and ground stations—with high-resolution regional atmospheric modeling, we investigate the physical mechanisms that drive extreme rainfall. Toward climate change adaptation, we also project local-scale heavy rainfall through dynamical downscaling of future climate simulations and estimate basin-scale Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP).

Climate Change Impact Assessment

Climate change adaptation and mitigation are pressing priorities in Japan and worldwide. Developing effective countermeasures requires a rigorous understanding of how a warming climate alters hydrological systems. We assess the impacts of climate change across a wide range of atmospheric and hydrological processes.

Groundwater and Regional Water Cycle Studies

We study regional water cycles in Kumamoto and beyond. In the Kumamoto region, where groundwater serves as a vital municipal and agricultural water resource, quantifying subsurface flow and projecting future availability are urgent priorities.