Formal project titleFormation of a Virtual Laboratory for Diagnosis of the Earth Climate System
Project objective
An inter-university project linking observational, satellite, and numerical-model research at four research centers of the University of Tokyo, Chiba University, Nagoya University, and Tohoku University to establish a “virtual laboratory” for integrated diagnosis of the Earth climate system. At Chiba University, CEReS was responsible for activities including preparation and distribution of satellite data for climate diagnosis, development of ground-validation networks, and estimation of surface and top-of-atmosphere radiation budgets from geostationary satellites.
Relationship to AMATERASS
AMATERASS quasi-real-time processing began in July 2007, the first year of this project. Within the VL framework, quasi-real-time analysis of the Himawari full-disk observation region continued while analysis was also extended to other geostationary satellites such as GOES-East and GOES-West. Radiation products from multiple satellite domains were combined and evaluated as global radiation products. Ground validation using SKYNET and BSRN, and studies of applications to photovoltaic power, also advanced during this period. Development, operation, and data provision of AMATERASS continued after the VL transitioned to general university funding.
Points documented in public sources
The VL began in FY2007 under MEXT Special Education and Research Expenses. After the time-limited funding period, activities continued under the Four-University VL, including training, collaborative research, and operation of shared data infrastructure. Chiba University planning documents identify satellite archives, radiation-budget estimation, and ground validation as major CEReS responsibilities.