The International Geophysical Year, IGY (1957-1958) has led to a comprehensive global study of geophysical phenomena and their relationships with solar activity. It aimed to make wide-spread, simultaneous, and intensive observations of a range of geophysical phenomena, using the latest instrumentation, rocket, and satellite technologies. The IGY greatly expanded our knowledge of global processes, heralded the exploration of geospace, and left a legacy of monumental achievements including the World Data Center (WDC) System.

Fifty years on, four new international programs -- International Polar Year (IPY), electronic Geophysical Year (eGY), International Year of Planet Earth (IYPE), and International Heliophysical Year (IHY) -- have been proposed and are in progress. Efforts for renewal of the international data system such as the WDC and CODATA are also in progress.

On the other hand, the rapid innovation in information technologies such as super computers and ultra-high speed Internet drastically changed the style and themes of research, amount and treatment of data. The new observations and simulations with high technology are producing huge amounts of data. Because of the limitation of handling these data by individual researchers, it is very important for Earth sciences and their use for our global society to develop a cohesive methodology which includes advanced information technologies.

The above mentioned international programs and data systems have their own purposes and activities. However, there also exist many common interests, common techniques and overlapping activities. This symposium will treat a wide range of topics related to the above mentioned activities, and expect that the scientists and engineers in Earth sciences, solar sciences, informatics, computer sciences and related fields meet together. By convening these people in one place, it is possible to share our experiences and opinions on how we have been handling very varied and huge amounts of data and extracting/expanding the knowledge, and on current and future plans.

This symposium will provide an opportunity for creation of new and interdisciplinary Earth and solar sciences and a chance of elucidation of their importance to the world.

Venue: Tsukuba City (Tsukuba scientific city is approximately 60 km northeast from Tokyo).

Date: 10th - 13th November, 2008

For more information, please visit the Symposium Website or send an email to {encode=" This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it " title=" This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it "}