The Kuju area in Oita Prefecture, central Kyushu shows the most intensive geothermal and volcanic activities in Kyushu. Kuju Geothermal and Volcanological Research Station was established in April 2001 in order to clarify the thermal processes beneath the Kuju area, and to contribute to development of geothermal energy and monitoring of geothermal and volcanic activities in this area. The Station is located near the site of Otake and Hatchobaru Geothermal Power Station (Kyushu Electric Power Company) in the southwestern part of Oita Prefecture. We are planning to proceed our studies with the staffs of Kyushu University and other Institutes. The Station has four functions, that is,

(1)Base station for field observation
(2)Geophysical monitoring of crustal activities around the Station
(3)Meeting place
(4)Accommodation for field surveys and meetings.

The main study projects are as follows;
(1)Geological, geophysical, geochemical and reservoir engineering studies of geothermal fields in the Kuju area
(2)Scientific and engineering studies of Kuju volcano
(3)Cooperative studies with private companies to develop geothermal energy.

We also publish “Geothermal and Volcanological Report of Kyushu University” annually.