Innovative Disaster Prevention Technology and Policy Research
Academic Staff
Takahiro SAYAMA
Professor (Disaster Prevention Research Institute)
Research Topics
We conduct disaster prevention technology and policy research aimed at managing the risks of water-related disasters. Based on the three pillars of hydrology, hydraulic engineering, and disaster risk management, we study the following three areas: (1) fundamental research to understanding the phenomena and modeling of flooding, (2) technological development for predicting and forecasting water-related disasters, and (3) applied research into the evaluation and mitigation of water-related disaster risks, taking into account social and climate changes.
Contacts
Room 310, Bldg. E, Uji Campus
TEL: +81-774-38-4125
FAX: +81-774-38-4130
E-mail: sayama.takahiro.3u
kyoto-u.ac.jp
Tomohiro TANAKA
Associate Professor (Disaster Prevention Research Institute)
Research Topics
flood hydrology: rainfall-runoff and flood-inundation modelling, economic flood risk curve, climate change impact assessment, agent-based modelling of house location choice, integrated flood risk management
Contacts
Room 313D, Bldg. E, Uji Campus
TEL: +81-774-38-4126
FAX: +81-774-38-4130
E-mail: tanaka.tomohiro.7c
kyoto-u.ac.jp
Florence LAHOURNAT
Junior Associate Professor (Disaster Prevention Research Institute)
Research Topics
Contacts
Eva Mia Siska YAMAMOTO
Assistant Professor (Disaster Prevention Research Institute)
Research Topics
Contacts
Research Topics
Development of Integrated Hazard Model: Toward Multi-Hazard Research
For adaptations to climate change, it is essential to comprehensively analyze damage and countermeasures from a multi-hazard perspective. We will conduct research on compound disasters, which have not been sufficiently studied so far, such as flood and sediment disasters, and flood and storm surge disasters. In the Climate Change Research Program call "Sentan Program" launched in fiscal year 2022, we collaborate with researchers to integrate various hazard models. We utilize the Earth Simulator to develop a common platform that integrates various hazard models developed by other researchers, such as storm surge and wave models, land surface models, and sediment models, while also advancing the further development of our flood prediction model (Rainfall-Runoff-Inundation: RRI Model). By using the integrated hazard model, we will address unresolved issues related to compound disasters.
Figure 1. Development of Integrated Hazard Modeling under SENTAN MEXT Program
Process Understandings of Flood Runoff Processes: Toward Water Disaster Predictions
Our research core tool, the RRI model, was developed to predict water levels and flooding as an integrated manner, by extending traditional distributed runoff models and is suitable for river basins in Asia with large plains. Recently, we develop flood forecasting system targeting small and medium-sized rivers across Japan. The nationwide RRI model we currently develop covers the entire country with a resolution of 150 meters, and can estimate water flow and levels even in small and medium-sized rivers where observation data is insufficient. We operate the developed nationwide RRI model in real-time to conduct practical research on flood forecasting. Currently, we are also conducting research on damage estimation to further improve the accuracy of our predictions.
Figure 2. A nationwide real-time flood prediction system for all rivers with long lead-time forecasting
“Field” Studies of River Basins Causing Water-related Disasters
The technical goal of flood prediction research is to predict the response relationship between rainfall, runoff water level, flood inundation and damage. But it is also important in hydrologic science to understand the relationship between environmental fields and underlying phenomena for better flood predictions. Various environmental fields affect phenomena related to flooding, such as landscape of watersheds, river channel network and floodplain topography. Research on flood runoff is being advanced by exploring the fundamentals of hydrology in addition to achieving practical goals.
Figure 3. Framework of studies on Disaster predictions and Environmental fields
Social and Climate Changes in South-east Asian River Basins
We conduct comprehensive research on disaster and environmental management in the river basins of Southeast Asia. Studying regional issues in the country with international students is not only effective in expanding our knowledge and technology, but also in learning from overseas case studies by comparing with domestic issues. It is important to understand the surrounding issues and predict their future changes. Based on the analysis of climate change, we work on technologies and methodologies necessary for sustainable social realization from an international perspective.
Figure 4. Impact of land use and climate change on flood inundation and peatland fire in Sumatra Island, Indonesia