Kochi Institute for Core Sample Research > Research and Outreach Activities

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What does core research do? What is a core in the first place? We will explain cores and core research, including research underway at the Kochi Institute for Core Sample Research, in an easy-to-understand manner.

Earthquakes occur when underground faults move, often causing great damage. To learn about the behavior of underground faults, core sample are taken with a view to working out the earthquake mechanism through the direct observation of a “nest” of earthquakes. This is like a biopsy in medicine, in which a sample is taken from the disease site for direct examination.

With a large array of advanced analytical equipment at its disposal, the Kochi Institute for Core Sample Research conducts a range of research with researchers nationwide.

To help unveil the secrets of the earth, the deep-sea scientific drilling vessel “CHIKYU” has become operational. The Kochi Institute for Core Sample Research strore core samples obtained by IODP, and advances detail analyses to follow onboard research. We will explain affiliation with IODP.

To contribute to society, we cooperate with the local print media and TV stations with their newsgathering activities, send out lecturers to give on-demand lessons aimed at senior high school students, and offer facility tours. To put the fruit of our research back into the community, we host scientific symposia and workshops, including the briefing of members of local assemblies involved in disaster management. In addition, we are expanding our schooling function by, among other things, running Core Analysis School courses designed to foster next-generation researchers.