Research Interests
Clarifying Cryospheric Snow and Ice Physical Processes through Atmosphere-Snow/Ice Surface Interactions
1. Understanding Mountain Environmental Systems from the Perspective of the Water Cycle
Our objective is to understand mountain environments, including the diverse components that make up the natural systems of mountainous areas. Specifically, our ultimate goal is to clarify the mechanisms that maintain and shape the "mountain environmental system" by integrally understanding its sub-systems. These include the snow accumulation process (how precipitation is stored on the ground), the hydrological process (how snowmelt recharges groundwater within the soil and bedrock), and the ecological systems of plants and animals sustained by this water supply. To achieve this, we are conducting research focused on the water cycle, with a particular emphasis on glaciological processes from snow accumulation to depletion.
[Major Research outcomes]
- Nishimura, M.*, Tanaka, R., Sasaki, A., and Suzuki, K. (2022): Spatiotemporal variations of snow cover in Mt. Norikura, the Northern Japanese Alps. Japanese Journal of Mountain Research, 5, 1–12. [Paper Link]
- Nishimura, M.*, Sasaki, A., and Suzuki, K. (2021): Surface energy balance of snow cover in the Japanese Alps is similar to that in continental Alpine climates. Environmental Research Communications, 3 (051003), 1–16. [Paper Link]
2. Exploring Phenomenological Processes Based on the Concept of Heat Balance
From glaciological and hydrological viewpoints, our research focuses on the processes of various phenomena based on the concept of heat balance. Understanding the Earth's surface water cycle requires an essential discussion of the surface heat balance, which governs snowmelt and water movement driven by phase changes (e.g., evaporation, condensation, and sublimation). Our studies aim to quantify these mechanisms and clarify their driving factors by utilizing field-measured meteorological data and snow physical state data.
[Major Research outcomes]
- Aoki, T.*, Hachikubo, A., Nishimura, M., Hori, M., Niwano, M., Tanikawa, T., Sugiura, K., Inoue, R., Yamaguchi, S., Matoba, S., Shimada, R., Ishimoto, H., and Gallet, J. C. (2023): Development of a Handheld Integrating Sphere Snow Grain Sizer (HISSGraS). Annals of Glaciology, 65, e10. [Paper Link]
3. Research on Glacier Surface Processes in Greenland
Driven by rising temperatures from climate change, the Arctic environment is changing dramatically. Most notably, melting is accelerating across the Greenland Ice Sheet and its surrounding glaciers. Quantifying this reality, assessing its impacts, and uncovering its underlying mechanisms are matters of urgency. Our research addresses these challenges by analyzing meteorological data collected directly from the field.
[Major Research outcomes]
- Nishimura, M.*, Aoki, T., Niwano, M., Oyama, M., Matoba, S., Tanikawa, T., Yamaguchi, S., Shimada, R., and Suzuki, T. (2026): Surface energy and mass balance variations near the equilibrium line altitude on Qaanaaq Ice Cap, northwestern Greenland, 2012–2022. Journal of Glaciology, 72, e45. [Paper Link]
- Niwano, M*., Nishimura, M., Shimada, R., Yamasaki, T., Ohkawara, N., Sunako, S., Aoki, T., Hashimoto, A., Tanikawa, T., Matoba, S., and Yamaguchi, S. (2024): Field activities at the SIGMA-A site, northwestern Greenland ice sheet, 2023. Bulletin of Glaciological Research, 42, 61–68. [Paper Link]
- Nishimura, M.*, Aoki, T., Niwano, M., Matoba, S., Tanikawa, T., Yamasaki, T., Yamaguchi, S., and Fujita, K. (2023): Quality-controlled meteorological datasets from SIGMA automatic weather stations in northwest Greenland, 2012–2020. Earth System Science Data, 15, 5207-5226. [Paper Link]
Keywords
Targets: Greenland, Alpine, mountain, Japanese Alps, Ice sheet, Glacier, Seasonal snow, Snow, Ice
Fields : Glaciology, Meteorology, Hydrology, Surface Mass Balance, Surface Energy Balance, Hydorological Process, Water Cycle
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