Yo Fukushima

Associate Professor, Disaster Science Division, International Research Institute of Disaster Science (IRIDeS), Tohoku University

Fukushima's research focus includes the mechanisms of earthquake occurrence and volcanic eruption using satellite data. He has worked on Philippine fault, an earthquake in Myammar, Piton de la Fornaise volcano in the Indian Ocean, a mud volcano on the Java island, etc., in addition to earthquakes/volcanoes in Japan.

Research Summary:

1) Assessment of the potential for great subduction earthquakes

I work on numerical modeling of the deformation and earthquake generation cycle of great subduction earthquakes using geodetic (both land and seafloor) and other kinds of data. Through such modeling, I will work on developing an effective hazard assessment method for great subduction earthquakes.

2) Studies on inland earthquakes, volcanic activities and other surficial geohazards using InSAR

I use InSAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar interferometry) to measure small (mm-order accuracy) ground displacements associated with various types of geohazard in great detail. Using such data, I work on understanding the strain accumulation process around active faults, the nature of fault rupture associated with inland earthquakes, characteristics of deformation related to volcanic eruptions or volcanic unrest, landslides, and land subsidence.

He is featured in Focus On: Disasters, an Asia Research News resource for journalists to find stories and sources.