Japan Meteorological Agency facts for kids
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is like Japan's official weather and natural disaster warning center. It's a special part of the Japanese government that helps keep people safe.
The JMA's main job is to collect information about the weather and then create weather forecasts for all of Japan. But they do much more than just tell you if it will rain! They also watch out for big natural events like earthquakes, typhoons (which are like huge storms), tsunamis (giant ocean waves), and volcanic eruptions. When these events happen, the JMA sends out important warnings to help people prepare and stay safe.
The main office of the JMA is in Tokyo, Japan's capital city. They also have six smaller offices located in different parts of Japan to cover all regions.
Contents
What Does the JMA Do?
The Japan Meteorological Agency has several very important roles to play. They are always watching the sky, the land, and the ocean to protect people from natural dangers.
Predicting the Weather
One of the JMA's biggest jobs is to predict the weather. They use special tools and computers to figure out what the weather will be like in the future. This includes telling people about:
- Daily temperatures
- Rainfall and snow
- Wind speeds
- Chances of sunshine or clouds
These forecasts help everyone, from farmers deciding when to plant crops to families planning a day out.
Watching for Natural Disasters
The JMA is also a key agency for natural disaster warnings. Japan experiences many natural events, so this part of their job is very important.
Earthquakes and Tsunamis
Japan has many earthquakes. The JMA has a network of sensors all over the country that can detect even small tremors. When a strong earthquake happens, they quickly figure out where it was and how strong it was. If an earthquake happens under the ocean, it can sometimes cause a tsunami. The JMA is responsible for warning coastal areas if a tsunami is expected, giving people time to move to higher ground.
Typhoons and Storms
Typhoons are powerful tropical storms that can bring very strong winds and heavy rain. The JMA tracks these storms as they form and move, predicting their path and strength. They issue warnings to tell people when a typhoon is approaching, so homes and businesses can be secured and people can stay indoors.
Volcanic Eruptions
Japan is also home to many volcanoes. The JMA monitors these volcanoes for any signs of activity, like changes in the ground or gas emissions. If a volcano looks like it might erupt, they issue warnings to nearby communities to help keep everyone safe.
Images for kids
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JMA headquarters in Ōtemachi (1964–2020)
See also
In Spanish: Agencia Meteorológica de Japón para niños
