About the Center for Forest Decline Studies

ABOUT THE CENTER

Fundamental Concept
Research Plan
Organization of Research Groups
Research Plan for Year 1996
Projects during 1996 - 2001
Research Operation Structure
Research Plan for Each Group

The Fundamental Concept Forest Decline Study-Measurement, Behavior and Control of Atmospheric Pollutants			t has been becoming more apparent that atmospheric pollutants in acid rain and fog and acidic dry depositions are affecting forest decline. The extent of forest decline is more severe in the upwind sites that receive atmospheric pollutants in a form of fog and particulate matters directly from urban areas. However, the cause-and-effect relationship between forest decline and acid rain, fog, and acidic dry depositions to date is assumed based merely on circumstantial evidence. Thus, a study was initiated to determine the actual cause-effect relationships on forest decline in Japanese forests. Our study tries to identify the main cause(s) of forest decline by organizing 18 scientists at 4 locations [ 500,000,000 yen over 1996 - 2001 provided by the Core Research for Evolutionary Science and Technology (CREST) of Japan Science and Technology Corporation (JST) ] in Japan. In particular, we do not only try to monitor atmospheric pollutants from the point of view of atmospheric chemistry and meteorology but also from the physiology of plants. There were few forest decline studies that were conducted at this extent. Our study includes: monitoring and evaluating the effects of atmospheric pollutants and acidic dry depositions derived from natural and anthropogenic sources, analyzing the extent of forest decline geographically and seasonal variation yearly based on data from satellite, airplane, etc., analyzing the behavior of atmospheric pollutants continuously by long-term monitoring of meteorological and biochemical means, evaluating the effects of oxidants, acid rain, and fog in a controlled environment, evaluating the effects of atmospheric pollutants based on plant growth by analyzing tree rings, and estimating the proportion of atmospheric pollutants that are originating from the Asian Continent. It may be possible that we can identify : new pollutants that play significant roles in forest decline, new forest decline mechanisms by exposing the trees to lowconcentrations of pollutants over a long period of time, and new synergistic effects of various atmospheric pollutants on forest decline. Our findings will hopefully urge necessity of regulating total amount of atmospheric pollutants emitted to the atmosphere and new standards for our atmospheric environment which will further facilitate new approach to low burden and energy systems in our society.
The Research Plan			his study tries to probe the effects of atmospheric pollutants on forest decline. The research groups are organized by scientists in various fields (i.e., meteorology, atmospheric chemistry, analytical chemistry, plant ecology, plant physiology, and microbiology). The following study will be carried out with the same point of view and means at four (4) locations in Japan (Tanzawa/Oyama, Norikuradake, Setonaikai Coastal Forest, and Kyushu Mountainous Area): Measurement of atmospheric pollutants and acidic dry deposition and their atmospheric burden. Evaluation of the effect of anthropogenic sources on their formation mechanisms. Analysis of data from satellite and photos from airplane (Please refer to the Basic Concept Section) *Research Time Frame* The duration of this study is five (5) years, which is divided into two terms: the first term (1996-1998) and the second term (1999-2001). In the first term, we will investigate the research headings. In particular, we will emphasize measurement of atmospheric pollutants, observation of meteorological factors and damage to the trees, and the analysis of tree rings. To facilitate the research, we will purchase three vehicles and assign them at three (3) locations (due to driving difficulties, Tanzawa/Oyama group will not get one). We will also purchase necessary analytical instrumentations and renovate facilities. In the second term, analysis and integration of results will be performed for the data obtained in the first term. Some of the research topics will be continuously conducted in this term, but if necessary, new research will be initiated. In the second term, the emphasis will be on identification of pollutant sources. For instance, distinguishing between long range transport and local sources, and between natural and anthropogenic sources will be carried out. We will also investigate the possibility of controlling and reducing pollutants. Based on those studies, we will probe the cause-and-effect relationship between forest decline and acid rain, fog, and acidic dry depositions. *Research Organization* We selected four (4) sites for the forest decline studies. For convenience, we will organize four (4) research groups and conduct research. Those research groups are: Setouchi Coastal Forest Reseach Group Tanzawa/Oyama Research Group Norikuradake Research Group Kyushu Mountainous Area Group Because Setouchi Coastal Forest Group has many scienctist (which consists of the members of the Faculty of Integrated Arts & Sciences, Hiroshima University), they will provide support to other groups for research and analysis. Members of the other groups are also expected to support other groups as much as possible. In addition to the 4 research groups, six (6) sub-groups are organized based on the field of interests: measurement of pollutant factor meteorological observation plant ecology plant physiology tree rings soil environmnent and microbiology Each sub-group will exchange information and evaluate the research progress. At least one of the members of Setouchi Coastal Forest Group will participate in each sub-group and facilitate the research. Representatives of each group and sub-group will organize a research enforcement committee and prepare research plans. Because the research organization will be flexible in terms of the research plans, the members of one research group can participate in another committee when necessary.
The Organization of Research Groups			he research groups are organized as follows: Measurement of Air Pollutant Factor :Fujiwara, Sakugawa, Igawa, Okouchi, and Baba Meteorological Observation :* Fukuoka, Ishizaka, and Nagabuchi Plant Ecology :* Nakane, Nedaira, and Takenaka Plant Physiology :* Sakurai* and Tezuka Tree Rings : Tsuchiya* and Takeda Soil Environment and Microbiology : Horikoshi* and You * indicates the representative of the sub-group
The Research Plan for the Year 1996 Representative of the study : Dr. Hiroshi Sakugawa			he year 1996 is the beginning of this project. Major emphasis for the year 1996 will be on establishing the bases for the research as described below : *Arrangement of Research Structure* The following will be discussed and determined for each group and sub-group: research plans, members and representatives, schedule of the research, structure of cooperation. The research conducted to date by each group will be shared, discussed, and utilized affirmatively by all the members of the project. Each researcher needs to understand the objectives and aims of this study and performs researches. Research members are expected to help other groups and sub-groups when necessary. We will hire secretaries, postdoctoral researchers, and technicians immediately. A workhop will be held soon to facilitate the above items. *Selection of the Research Sites* Research sites are selected based on the extent of the forest decline. A desirable location has both severely damaged forest and adjacent healthy forest. A practical consideration needs to be paid for the affordability and accessibility of the sites for 5-year study period. *Arrangement of Research Institution* New instrumentation and observation vehicles will be purchased. Preliminary experiments and preparation for the upcoming field measurements need to be performed. If necessary, renovation of the laboratories and offices will be completed. *Review of Research Articles* Extensive literature review needs to be conducted by all the research group members. Information on the article review will be shared and discussed among research groups. *Beginning of the Research* We will determine common items for the following measurements : air pollutants, meteorology, and plant activity for four (4) study sites. The research study will be initiated right after completion of contract between JST and the universities involved. *Evaluation of Research in 1996* At the end of the fiscal year, evaluation of research progress will be performed for each group and as a whole, to identify the problems and to clarify the future research. To do so, workshops will be held at appropriate time. We will prepare reports to the JST, publish papers, and present our studies at the scientific meetings from time to time.
The Projects to be carried out during the 5-year period (1996 -2001)			he projects to be carried out by the Center for Forest Decline Studies during the five (5) - year period ( 1996-2001) are summarized below : Research Meeting (twice a year) Publication of Research Articles Presentation at the Scientific Meetings Selection of Graduate Students, Technicians, Post-Doctoral Fellows, and their employment Publicity (Hosting domestic & international symposium and Publication of books) Invitation of Scientists from Overseas Joint Research with Institutes & Universities Overseas Dispatching Researchers to Overseas
The Research Operation Structure			he research operation structure is shown below : Setonaikai Coastal Forest Research Group Sakugawa¹ Analysis of Air Pollutants, Acid Rain, and Fog Fugiwara¹Analysis of Air Pollutants, Acid Rain, and Fog Takeda¹Analysis of Air Pollutants, Acid Rain, and Fog Nakane¹Evaluation and Study of Effects on Plants Nedaira¹Evaluation and Study of Effects on Plants Tsuchiya¹Evaluation and Study of Tree Rings on Tree Growth Sakurai¹Evaluation and Study of Effects on Plant Physiology Fukuoka¹Observation of Meteorological Factors (Inversion Layer) and Analysis of Tree Rings Horikoshi¹Evaluation and Study of Effects on Root Microbiology ¹Faculty of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University Oyama/Tanzawa Research Group Igawa²Acidic Fog Formation Mechanisms and Evaluation and Study of Effects on Forest Okouchi²Collection and Analysis of Acidic Fogs and Study of Water Quality Sou³Investigation of Soils and Evaluation and Study of Effects on Plants ² Faculty of Engineering, Kanagawa University; ³ Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology Norikuradake Research Group Ishizaka⁴Analysis of Air Pollutants and Acidic Fog Formation Mechanisms Tezuka⁵Evaluation and Study of Effects on Plants and Root Microbiology Takenaka⁶Evaluation and Study of Effects on Plants ⁴ The Institute for Hydrospheric-Atmospheric Sciences, Nagoya University; ⁵Graduate School of Human Informatics, Nagoya University; ⁶Faculty of Agriculture, Nagoya University Kyushu Mountainous Area Research Group Koga⁷Measurement and Evaluation of Air Pollutants Nagabuchi⁸Measurement of Meteorological Factors and Chemical Analysis of Land, Water, and Ice Baba⁹Evaluation and Distribution of Acidic Dry Depositions ⁷Sangyoika University; ⁸The Fukuoka Prefectural Institute of Public Health and Environmental Science; ⁹The Kitakyushu City Institute of Environmental Science
The Research Plan for Each Group			he research plan for each group is summarized below : Setonaikai Coastal Forest Research Group Measures air pollutants (i.e., inorganic and organic compounds, heavy metals and isotopes of lead and sulfur) in rain, snow, dew, fog, and aerosol around Mt. Gokurakuji and will try to identify the sources and strengths of these air pollutants. Measures tree activity and photosynthesis, evapotransportation, and ethylen as stress indicator among the trees (e.g., Matsu, Yamasakura, Hisakaki) around Mt. Gokurakuji. Also measures acidic dry depositions on the leaves of trees and conducts observations of stroma using microscopes. To grasp the extent of forest decline around Setonaikai coastal forest, data from satellite and photos taken by airplanes will be analyzed. The extent of forest decline at some specific locations will also be observed using camera and thermography. Tries to analyze tree rings to identify when and how the trees died. Monitors long term meteorological factors such as temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind speed, and the hight of inversion layer, precipitation, and formation of fogs. The data will be used to understand the movement, dispersion, and localization of air pollutants around Mt. Gokurakuji. Investigates the effects of acid rain and fog on trees and their roots. Provides support to other groups. Oyama/Tanzawa Research Group Measures air pollutants, collects acidic fog, conducts chemical analysis, and identifies acid deposition species and burden. Based on the results, the mechanisms of acidification and sources of pollutants will be understood. Probes mechanisms of gas and aerosol absorption into liquid particles as an indoor study. Construct models to predict acidic fog formation. Investigates the response mechanisms of fir trees on acidic fogs as an exposure experiment. Norikuradake Research Group Measures air pollutants and acidic dry deposition at the site where forest decline is severe. Also investigates : the formation and transportation mechanisms of air pollutants, degradation mechanisms of soils, and changes in physiology and biochemistry of tree activities. Studies effects of pollutants on trees using physiological and biochemical means as an indoor study. Also performs diagnostic tests on degradation of soils by organic chemistry. Kyushu Mountainous Area Research Group Investigates the origins of particulate matters which are found in rain, snow, rime ice, and soil. Also analyzes ionic and metal species, and trace organic compounds. The objective is to evaluate the effects of long range transported matters which originated from fossil fuel burnings. Quantitatively analyzes acidic dry depositions. To quantitatively evaluate the effects of acidic dry depositions, metals and marble plates will be used. The intention is to use the data to assess the impact of acidic dry depositions on forest decline. Measures air pollutants and observed meteorological factors and investigates the degree of activity at some locations.

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