(3)Carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide analysis system:
The system measures concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide in the atmosphere and the sea water. These gases in the atmosphere play important roles in global warming.
(4)Integrated system for marine meteorological observations:
This system includes surface marine meteorological observation instruments for ordinary meteorological observations over the sea, radiosonde instruments for upper air observation from the sea surface to an altitude over 20 kin, and an acoustic wind profiler to detect the vertical fine structure of the wind from the sea surface to an altitude of 200 m. The combination of measurements from these instruments enables scientists to estimate fluxes of heat, water vapor and kinetic momentum in the atmosphere near the sea surface.
(5)Ocean waves gauge:
This gauge makes observations of heights and periods of ocean waves by using a micro-wave radar and accelerometer installed at the fore peak.
Intensive Operation
As one of intensive operation of the new vessel, the JMA sent the Ryofu Maru ? on an observation cruise in the western Pacific from January 17 through March 14, 1996. The cruise, in which the ocean monitoring and observation functions of the research vessel were fully utilized, was made along two long meridian lines, from 30 degrees north in latitude to the equatorial seas, to measure physical, chemical and biological properties
of the sea water as well as concentrations of the greenhouse and trace gases in both the ocean and the atmosphere. Such long meridional observations have been conducted on board the Ryofu Maru II since 1967. They will be continued on board the Ryofu Maru ? as part of the comprehensive climate study program of the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Japan Meteorological Agency
Address: 3-4, Otemachi 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku. Tokyo 100.
