Research is advancing into observation and modeling techniques, in order to understand the dynamics and mechanisms of atmospheric phenomena that result in sudden changes and create abnormal weather patterns such as severe rainfall and typhoons. At the same time, the need is increasing in society for weather disaster surveillance, forecasting, estimation and mitigation; because of the major effects such extreme weather can have on society. For these reasons, it is very important to promote interdisciplinary research in various fields including meteorology, radar engineering, and disaster-prevention sciences.

At this symposium participants will exchange information on a wide range of research results, from the latest measurement technologies, such as weather radar and lidar, high-precision meso-numeric prediction models and data assimilation, to investigation of weather and water disasters and policy responses. There will also be discussion of outlooks for the future.

Prominent domestic and international scholars who are leading advanced research in these fields have been invited to present lectures. Governmental agencies such as the Meteorological Agency and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, as well as industries related to weather have also been called upon to participate, and researchers and policy makers from various Asian countries afflicted by weather disaster have been engaged to discuss how the results of this research can be applied for the benefit of society and as an international contribution.

This symposium has been planned based on an agreement for scholarly exchange (Memorandum of Understanding) made in March 2008 between the Disaster Prevention Research Institute and the Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere, both at Kyoto University, and the College of Atmosphere and Geographic Sciences at the University of Oklahoma, with the goal of encouraging related research and educational activity and in particular, to stimulate participation by young researchers and students.

Event dates:      November 10 to 13, 2009

Venue:         Kyoto University, Uji Campus, Wood Composite Hall (RISH)

Sponsor:      Kyoto University Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI), Research Institute for Sustainable Humanosphere (RISH), Atmospheric Radar Research Center (ARRC), College of Atmosphere and Geographic Sciences, University of Oklahoma.

Conveners: Eiichi Nakakita (DPRI), Hirohiko Ishikawa (DPRI), Toshitaka Tsuda (RISH), R. Palmer (ARRC, University of Oklahoma)