Weekly coastal surveying
Measuring instruments
Sediment transport in coastal areas not only alters coastal and seabed topography, but also affects biota such as ecosystems. In this theme, we are studying the occurrence and spatio-temporal characteristics of sediment transport in coastal areas (oceans and estuaries), and the relationship between sediment transport and external forces such as waves and currents.
We measure and analyze the waves and currents (in the ocean) and winds (on land) that cause coastal sediment transport in order to clarify how (transport mechanism) and how much (amount and direction of transport).
In our laboratory, we have been surveying the coast of the Pacific Ocean side of Toyohashi City every week since the 1990s. By analyzing these topographic measurement data, we can clarify the characteristics of coastal landform changes at various time (year, season, stormy period, etc.) and spatial scales, which will be useful for coastal erosion countermeasures and beach environment conservation.
Sea trout fishing boats of the Enshu Sea operating in shallow waters
Experiments on the measurement of suspended sand using ultrasound
In our laboratory, we are researching and developing a method to detect sediment transport along the coast using ultrasonic and X-ray analysis. We are also developing a unique monitoring method to measure the seafloor topography and its change by recording and analyzing the information during the operation of fishing boats.
We are developing ultrasonic instruments for monitoring suspended solids (especially, suspended sand) in water bodies such as rivers and coasts, and developing data analysis methods.
We analyze the chemical composition of sand in beaches and rivers using X-rays, and determine the characteristics of the sediment based on the analysis results. This will be carried out along the coast of the Enshu Sea, the Tenryu River basin and the Toyokawa River basin to investigate the spatial distribution characteristics of sediment.
We aim to obtain useful information for coastal management by clarifying topographic changes and the amount of drifting sand from the obtained topographic data.”„
Observation at the beach with a lifesave
Simulation example : river run-up of storm surge
Through experiments, numerical calculations, and field surveys, we are investigating countermeasures against coastal disasters caused by tsunamis and storm surges, as well as the spread of disasters to inland and urban areas, with the aim of contributing to regional disaster prevention.
We aim to contribute to regional disaster prevention through numerical calculations (meteorological models, coupled wave and storm surge models, river models, etc.), field surveys, and data analysis in the coastal areas of Japan's three major bays and the neighboring Mikawa Bay and Enshu Sea.
We aim to build a monitoring system that can prevent accidents such as drowning by quantifying the situation of swimmers and the occurrence of rip currents in real time using measurement techniques such as image analysis.
Sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs.
Clam fry clinging to sand particles with foot thread
In this theme, we are trying to contribute to the restoration of rich natural environment by understanding how waves, currents and drifting sand affect biological activities and aquatic environment.
In this theme, we aim to elucidate the mechanism of clam fry development by unraveling the relationship between waves, currents, and sediment in tidal flats and the migration of clam fry.
Field observations, data analysis, and numerical calculations are being used to elucidate the flow mechanisms that cause water quality changes in lakes.
The coastline leading from Hamanako Imakiri-guchi (Shizuoka Prefecture) to Cape Irago (Aichi Prefecture) is called "Omotehama Coast" and is a valuable spawning ground for loggerhead turtles. We are investigating and researching the effects of beach environmental elements on the spawning activities of loggerhead turtles.
Copyright 2022 CoastalLAB, Toyohashi University of Technology