Rate My Professor Nobukazu Seama

Nobukazu Seama is Professor in the Graduate School of Science at Kobe University, where he is affiliated with the Faculty of Science and serves as a key member of the Kobe Ocean Bottom Exploration Center. His academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree from Osaka University in 1985, a Master’s degree in Earth Science from the Graduate School of Science at Kobe University in 1989, and a Doctor of Science in Geophysics from the Graduate School of Science at the University of Tokyo in 1993. Seama’s research focuses on marine geophysics, with particular emphasis on the dynamics of mid-ocean ridges, the structure and evolution of ocean lithosphere and asthenosphere, and geophysical processes associated with hydrothermal systems. He employs sea-surface geophysical surveys using research vessels to collect bathymetry, gravity anomaly, and geomagnetic anomaly data, and has developed specialized instruments such as a deep-tow three-component magnetometer and ocean-bottom electro-magnetometers to enhance data quality and accessibility.

Throughout his career at Kobe University, Seama has contributed to numerous research projects on seafloor tectonics, back-arc spreading systems, and submarine volcanic systems, including recent investigations into the Kikai caldera. He has authored or co-authored dozens of peer-reviewed papers, with notable recent publications including “Melt re-injection into large magma reservoir after giant caldera eruption at Kikai Caldera Volcano” (Communications Earth & Environment, 2026) and studies on submarine pyroclastic deposits and magma evolution related to the Kikai-Akahoya eruption. Seama has received the Ocean Survey Technology Society Technical Award in 2006 for work on seafloor gravity measurements. He holds leadership roles in international and national scientific organizations, including Co-Chair of the IODP³ MSP Facility Board since 2025, and serves on committees related to earthquake and volcano prediction research as well as the Japan Geoscience Union Solid Earth Science Section board.