Selected Scientific Contributions:

Atmosphere–Earth Surface Interactions Across Regions and Scales

Our research investigates interactions among the atmosphere, ocean, land surface, and human society across diverse climatic environments from the tropics to the polar regions. By integrating atmospheric science, hydroclimatology, and Earth system science, we seek common physical principles governing weather and climate variability across regions and scales. We study atmospheric phenomena ranging from localized extreme weather events to global climate variability, and from short-lived mesoscale disturbances to long-term climate change. Our goal is to understand how atmosphere–surface interactions shape hydroclimate variability, extreme events, and their impacts on natural and human systems.

1. Land–Atmosphere and Ocean–Atmosphere Interactions

Atmosphere–surface interactions play fundamental roles in shaping weather and climate variability across spatial and temporal scales. Our research investigates how interactions among the atmosphere, ocean, land surface, snow and ice, and hydrological processes influence atmospheric circulation, moisture transport, hydroclimate variability, and extreme weather. We are particularly interested in understanding common mechanisms operating across diverse climate regimes from tropical to polar environments. We study atmospheric phenomena across broad spatial and temporal scales, ranging from localized severe weather to planetary-scale circulation variability, and from short-timescale atmospheric disturbances to long-term climate change.

2. Precipitation Variability and Hydroclimate Extremes

Precipitation variability is one of the most important manifestations of atmosphere–surface interactions and climate variability. Our studies investigate physical mechanisms governing heavy rainfall, snowfall, droughts, and hydroclimate extremes through interactions among atmospheric circulation, moisture transport, convective instability, topography, and land-surface conditions. Particular attention is given to precipitation variability and extreme weather over Japan and East Asia, where complex topography and monsoon circulation as well as ocean dynamics strongly modulate regional hydroclimate. We also investigate anthropogenic influences on hydroclimate extremes using event attribution and climate simulation approaches.

3. Natural Science and Earth System Processes

Our research extends to broader Earth system processes related to hydrometeorology, cryospheric science, and ecological climatology. We investigate interactions between atmospheric variability and near surface environments, including snow and ice processes, surface hydrological processes, ecosystem–climate interactions. Through comparative studies across climatic regions, we seek broader understanding of the role of the Earth’s surface in regulating weather and climate systems.

4. Weather and Climate Applications

Weather and climate strongly influence human society through impacts on water resources, agriculture, renewable energy and energy demand, ecosystems, health, sports, urban environments, etc. Our research explores applications of atmospheric science to societal and environmental challenges, including climate change impacts, risk assessment of extreme weather, and meteorological conditions affecting human activities. By linking physical climate processes with real-world applications, we aim to contribute to both scientific understanding and practical adaptation strategies.

Research Approach