2021 Volume 30 Issue 5 Pages 87-104
The future direction of Japanese oceanographic research in the next decade is discussed, mainly from a coastal oceanographic perspective. Coastal oceans serve two functions: (1) as a filter-reactor region connecting the open ocean and land, and (2) as a biologically rich and diverse region where environmental changes have a direct impact on society. Therefore, understanding the material cycle within the coastal region is important not only scientifically but also to preserve and maintain the ocean. Process studies are needed, with close collaboration between physical, chemical, and biological science communities. Coastal oceans continue to lack observations to understand and resolve the small spatial and time-scale events that govern the region. However, advances in observational instruments/techniques, satellite measurements, and unmanned aerial vehicles are starting to provide high temporal spatial data than ever before. In addition to long-term monitoring, we discuss the research infrastructure and numerical models needed for future studies.
