NTU–UTokyo Geothermal Breakthrough

Professor Chen-Hao Kuo of National Taiwan University (NTU) ’s Center for Carbon Exploration Technologies collaborated with Professor Ken Tsuji from the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Engineering to study supercritical geothermal systems in Japan’s Kyushu volcanic region. Their findings, published in Communications Earth & Environment, mark a milestone in Taiwan–Japan collaboration. The team used advanced seismic reflection imaging and AI-powered data analysis developed in Taiwan to visualize the three-dimensional structure beneath volcanoes, revealing how supercritical fluids are trapped, migrate, and trigger microseismic activity.

The study identified impermeable rock layers that seal supercritical fluids at depths of 2–3 km, while fault zones act as “permeable windows” for fluid escape. Professor Kuo emphasized that monitoring is crucial for early warning systems. This breakthrough demonstrates how integrating AI with seismic exploration can overcome traditional limitations, offering new possibilities for geothermal development, disaster prevention, and renewable energy innovation.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-025-02774-4