11:15 AM - 11:35 AM
[U09-06] "a predicted ocean" and “a safe Sea" - from examples of pumice drift and more
★Invited Papers
Keywords:United Nations Decade of Ocean Science , ocean prediction, satellite observation, social network
The United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) currently underway has identified "a predicted ocean" and "a safe ocean" as key goals. In the realm of "a predicted ocean" the aim is to understand the current and future ocean conditions and predict their changes and impacts on human life. On the other hand, "a safe ocean" seeks to protect human society from marine disasters and ensure safe activities at sea and along the coast. In this context, the discussion revolves around the goals of "a predicted ocean" and "a safe ocean," using examples such as the prediction of pumice drift and utilizing the latest observation, prediction technologies, and social media information.
On August 13, 2021, the largest volcanic eruption since World War II occurred at Fukutoku-Oka-no-Ba underwater volcano in the Ogasawara Islands, resulting in a massive release of pumice. These pumice stones drifted westward and reached the Ryukyu Islands in October, approximately 1400 km away. The arrival of the pumice caused issues such as the impossibility of fishing boat operations. In response to the problems faced in these regions, the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) initiated calculations for pumice drift. Social media information was utilized to assess the extent of the damage. On the other hand, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) observed the distribution of pumice at sea using the GCOM-C satellite and Sentinel-2, making the information available. JAMSTEC calculated the pumice drift based on this information and predicted its arrival in the Izu Islands by late November. Indeed, the pumice reached the Izu Islands, but measures such as installing oil booms were taken in advance. While calculations of ocean currents and satellite observations have been available in the past, such a situation was not anticipated. However, this demonstrates the possibility of addressing new phenomena through their application. Meanwhile, the prediction of pumice drift began when the issue of pumice arrival worsened in the Ryukyu Islands. Adequate technology for issuing warnings through prediction and monitoring existed if awareness of potential impacts was present. However, due to a lack of problem awareness, the effects spread. Thus, it is evident that an interdisciplinary approach is necessary for disaster prevention.
On August 13, 2021, the largest volcanic eruption since World War II occurred at Fukutoku-Oka-no-Ba underwater volcano in the Ogasawara Islands, resulting in a massive release of pumice. These pumice stones drifted westward and reached the Ryukyu Islands in October, approximately 1400 km away. The arrival of the pumice caused issues such as the impossibility of fishing boat operations. In response to the problems faced in these regions, the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) initiated calculations for pumice drift. Social media information was utilized to assess the extent of the damage. On the other hand, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) observed the distribution of pumice at sea using the GCOM-C satellite and Sentinel-2, making the information available. JAMSTEC calculated the pumice drift based on this information and predicted its arrival in the Izu Islands by late November. Indeed, the pumice reached the Izu Islands, but measures such as installing oil booms were taken in advance. While calculations of ocean currents and satellite observations have been available in the past, such a situation was not anticipated. However, this demonstrates the possibility of addressing new phenomena through their application. Meanwhile, the prediction of pumice drift began when the issue of pumice arrival worsened in the Ryukyu Islands. Adequate technology for issuing warnings through prediction and monitoring existed if awareness of potential impacts was present. However, due to a lack of problem awareness, the effects spread. Thus, it is evident that an interdisciplinary approach is necessary for disaster prevention.