Summary Account

　 First Laboratory conducts researches on the evaluation of volcanic activity based on physical observation data such as ground deformation, earthquakes, heat and gravity.
Changes in ground deformation, seismic, temperature and gravity data are often attributed to underground volcanic processes, such as the accumulation and ascent of magma, and the expansion of heated groundwater. The laboratory advances geophysical research by analyzing these observation data and undertakes technological development to estimate the cause of underground state changes more accurately. The developed technology is used to improve the assessment of volcanic activity, which is the basis for various disaster management information released by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The laboratory has branch offices installed in the Volcanic Observation and Warning Center at each (regional) headquarters in Sapporo, Sendai, Tokyo (Headquarters) and Fukuoka besides the main research institute in Tsukuba. Researchers in the branch offices conduct not only research on their assigned tasks but also focus on regional volcanic activities and contribute to improving the technical skills of the staffs at each center.