Geochemistry
A wide variety of research topics, starting from the origin and evolution of the solar system to modern environmental problems, are being studied by the members of the geochemistry group. Instruments such as the ICP-OES, ICP-MS, TIMS are used in combination with the state-of-the-art clean laboratory to obtain high-precision data from various planetary and environmental materials including meteorites, terrestrial rocks and minerals, calcifying organisms such as corals and sea urchins, and river and groundwater. High quality geochemical data are used to investigate the processes responsible for the evolution of planets, continental crust, modern and ancient ocean, and the impact of human activities on the environment such as the effect of ocean acidification on the calcification of marine organisms.
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Scleractinian corals are well known for their vigorous calcification which support high biodiversity in coral reefs where many people are living. Although the skeletal growth of such a reef building coral itself support growth of coral reefs, it has been concerned that global warming and ocean acidification would have negative impact on the growth of corals. The goal of this study is to clarify the mechanism of growth of coral skeleton and then evaluate the impact of environmental stresses on the skeletal growth.
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The focus of my research includes geochemical study of extraterrestrial materials, rocks that comprises the continental crust, river and groundwater, and Asian dust. State-of-the-art clean laboratory and modern analytical instruments dedicated to geochemical study are used to acquire high precision geochemical and isotopic data. Emphasis is also placed on the development of new analytical techniques for cutting edge geochemical and isotopic research.