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PURPOSE
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What processes made the Earth suitable for the habitation of people? How many habitable planets like Earth exist in the universe? We have no scientific answers at the present time to these simple questions. At Tokyo Institute of Technology,‘‘the Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences is attempting to find the answers through collaborative studies with scientists in the closely related departments of Life and Environmental Sciences. In this program, we hope to understand the history of our planet Earth - how its early, anoxic, and hostile environment evolved into an environment where primitive life could be sustained, and eventually developed in the conditions necessary for modern life, so dependent on oxygen, to thrive.
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UNIQUENESS
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An interdisciplinary organization
To execute the interdisciplinary research that we have proposed, we have organized collaborative scientists belonging to three graduate schools at TITech (Graduate School of Science & Engineering, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Engineering, and Graduate School of Bioscience & Biotechnology) into four research groups; these include: (1) solid earth evolution, (2) earth history and life evolution, (3) environmental analysis, and (4) theoretical planetary physics. |
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A large number of rock samples that were systematically gathered
More than 120,000 rock samples are stored in the Museum of Evolving Earth at this institute; our collection is comprehensive. These samples were gathered in cooperation with scientists from 25 other countries for the purpose of decoding the history of the Earth. This systematic collection is an extraordinary one. Parts of the precious samples are exhibited to the public in the museum. |
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Basic science for detection of extra-solar life
Recent observations have revealed that planets exist around stars other than our Sun. Our investigation of the evolution of planetary surface environments is relevant to the chemical evolution of life. Our research will produce important guidelines for recognizing the existence and evolutionary stages of life on extra-solar planets using astronomical observations, and may potentially lead to the detection of extra solar life. |
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FUTURE PLANS AFTER COMPLETION OF THIS PROGRAM
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At the completion of this program, we will have learned several answers to the key questions of how and when life on Earth began. Especially important is understanding the development of conditions favorable to modern life, including human beings, that are so heavily dependent on oxygen. Did these processes occur as inevitable consequences of planetary development, or by accident? Based on results from this COE program, we aim to construct a new scientific field, entitled "Habitable Planetology" that will lead to a better understanding of the origin and existence of life in the universe. Utilizing state-of-the-art experimental, analytical, and computational facilities developed for the purpose of achieving this program, we are also planning to construct a research institute entitled, "The Research Center for the Evolving Earth and Planets" that will be open to worldwide researchers for investigations in this new field. |
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