Global environment simulation technology
Simulating the past, present and future of the global environment in cyberspace
Current research
Global environment simulation technology is a technology for simulating the past, present, and future global environment in cyberspace by clarifying physical processes such as the atmosphere, ocean, and land, and biological and chemical processes such as carbon cycle and ecosystem.
We are aiming to utilize high-resolution observation data to discern the impact of human activities on the global environment, simulate the past and present and future of the Earth in cyberspace, to feedback into informed decision-making and contribute to environmental restoration.
Global warming, has a large effect on primary production, the synthesis organic compounds from inorganic compounds, such as carbon dioxide.
Marine phytoplankton contribute to roughly half of this global primary production through photosynthesis. The physical environment in the ocean and atmosphere effect ocean biogeochemistry through biophysical interactions. For example, temperature and light intensity in the surface ocean influence the photosynthesis rate of phytoplankton. Ocean currents, which are influenced by winds, also carry nutrients, which act as fertilizer for phytoplankton and regulate their primary production. To understand such biophysical interactions, we use coupled ocean physics-biogeochemistry models, which form a component of current climate models.
There are key limitations in current ocean physics models and biogeochemistry models. Due to limitations in computational resources, the ocean physics models incorporated in current climate models have a maximum spatial resolution on the order of 10 km. However, there is emerging evidence that physical processes occurring on smaller scales, such as eddies and turbulence, influence microorganisms and feedback to physical processes occurring on larger scales.
In ocean biogeochemistry models, observations are often insufficient to accurately determine model parameters, and models do not reflect realistic levels of microorganism diversity or the potential for microorganism adaptation. Incorporating significant ocean-atmosphere interactions into models, including the effects of turbulence and waves, without sacrificing computational efficiency is also difficult using current empirical modelling techniques. In our research, we are working to overcome these limitations, improve understanding of ocean-atmosphere biophysical interactions and achieve more accurate forecasting of the ocean's past and future.
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Related Research & Activities
Novel Challenges
NTT Space Environment and Energy Laboratories are looking for researchers and engineers from several fields to help us find new solutions to pressing worldwide issues.