There are four research laboratories; Seismological Observation, Ocean Bottom Seismology and Tsunami, Volcano Physics, and Subsurface Structure.

Seismological Observation (website) We carry out seismic, geodetic and tsunami observations by installing seismometers, GPS, strainmeters, tiltmeters and tide gauges. We investigate physical mechanisms of earthquake occurrence around Hokkaido area as well as all over the world by analyzing those observed seismic, geodetic and tsunami data.

TAKAHASHI Hiroaki　Professor / D.Sc. Discipline: Observational seismology and volcanology, Crustal deformation Research:  1. Earthquake and volcanic eruption prediction 2. Development of earthquake, tsunami and volcanic eruption early warning system 3. Plate motion and seismo-tectonics in northeastern Asia

KATSUMATA Kei　Associate Professor / D.Sc. Discipline: Seismology for earthquake prediction Research:  1. Earthquake prediction based on seismology 2. Seismic tomography and velocity structures 3. Crustal stress field and active fault earthquakes

OHZONO Mako　Associate Professor / D.Sc. Discipline：Geodesy, Seismological and volcanological crustal deformation Research: 1. Estimation of postseismic deformation and rheological structure 2. Earthquake cycle modeling based on crustal deformation 3. Crustal deformation around inland active faults

Ocean Bottom Seismology and Tsunami We investigate earthquake occurrence beneath the sea floor and structure of oceanic lithosphere. We carry out structural exploration and seismic observation by use of the ocean bottom seismographs, which were developed in Hokkaido University, and tsunami investigation around Japan and Kurile trenches in collaboration with universities and research institutes. Moreover various geophysical studies have been conducted since 1987 in the Atlantic area mainly in Mid-Atlantic Ridges.

TANIOKA Yuichiro　Professor / Ph.D. Discipline：Seismology for great earthquakes and tsunamis Research： 1. Source processes of great earthquakes 2. Generation and propagation of tsunamis 3. Pre-historical earthquakes and tsunamis

NISHIMURA Yuichi　Associate Professor / D.Sc. Discipline：Paleo-seismology, Tsunami science, Disaster mitigation Research： 1. Understanding of source mechanism of subduction earthquakes using paleo-seismological data 2. Field sciences for recent earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions in the world 3. Supporting of local community for future disaster mitigation against earthquake, tsunami, and volcanic eruption

MURAI Yoshio　Associate Professor / D.Sc. Discipline：Ocean bottom seismology and Tsunami, elastic wave propagation theory Research： 1. Subsurface structure and seismicity at subduction zones 2. Theoretical study on elastic wave propagation in a fault zone 3. Tectonics of Northern Mid Atlantic Ridge

Volcano Physics Our scientific goal is the understanding on mechanisms of a wide variety of geodynamic activity of volcanic nature depending on multidisciplinary observation data. Substantial efforts are devoted to contribute to the development of eruption prediction technique based on modeling of acquired observational data. We carry out observations around volcanoes in and outside Hokkaido using seismic, geodetic, geomagnetic and other observational tools frequently cooperating with other research groups. We also develop new observational and modeling techniques to promote innovative research for the next generation geoscience.

AOYAMA Hiroshi　Professor / D.Sc. Discipline：Volcano physics, Seismology Research： 1. Source process of volcanic earthquakes 2. Dynamics of volcanic eruption 3. Improvements of monitoring technique for volcano activities

TANAKA Ryo　Assistant Professor / D.Sc. Discipline：Volcano physics Research: 1. Modeling of volcanic hydrothermal system 2. Thermal monitoring of volcano 3. Transition in style of volcanic activity

Subsurface Structure We investigate subsurface structures of seismogenic zones or volcanic regions using various geophysical methods such as geoelectromagnetic or gravity anomaly analysis. We also carry out research of electromagnetic phenomena associated with seismic and volcanic activity by monitoring specific signals or temporal changes of structures.

HASHIMOTO Takeshi　Professor / D.Sc. Discipline Volcano Physics, Geomagnetism and Geoelectricity Research 1. Volcanological application of electromagnetism 2. Spectroscopy of Volcanic plume 3. Hear and material transport at Volcanoes