|
|
 Objective of the CMCR
The objective of the CMCR is to analyze
marine cores using a multidisciplinary approach, in order to understand
changes in the Earth's environment and to assess the potential resources
within deep sea sediments. This initiative began in April 2000 as a
university research facility under the old name, Marine Core Research Center. In
April 2003, the Center changed its name and moved to a new location on Kochi University's
Monobe Campus, reorganizing itself as a national research facility. The
Center will become a marine core repository for deep sea sediments, and the
only place in Japan where such a comprehensive suite of analyses can be conducted.
|
Roles of the CMCR
- To
be the main facility for analyzing core materials in Japan
- To
act as a core repository and analytical facility for IODP
- To
become the most advanced center for marine biosphere and geosphere
sciences
|
Main Research Objectives
- In
order to understand the human impact on natural phenomena such as the
greenhouse effect, we need to document changes in the Earth's
environment, for instance by studying the past and present
interactions between the climate and oceans of the World.
- To
understand the formation, preservation and decomposition of methane
hydrate including the nature of the environmental setting, the
activity of methane bacteria, the history of formation and melting,
and the relationship between the release of methane gas and climatic
fluctuations.
|
Contribution to the Local Community
- To
promote regional collaboration in the marine industry (e.g.
application of methane).
- To
discover microbial genetic resources within marine cores.
- To
promote the Prefecture, City and University of Kochi
as a center for marine research (e.g. making research facilities
available to IODP, or hosting symposia).
- To
attract foreign and domestic research vessels to use the New Kochi Port
as a port call.
|
|
