Three research groups—the Subsurface Microbiology Research Group, Groundwater Environment Research Group, and Sedimentary Rock Research Group—have utilized the Horonobe URL, currently under construction in a sedimentary rock formation, and the Tempoku coalfields of northern Hokkaido to carry out research designed to improve understanding of the underground environment of diatomaceous rock and coal formations. These groups have also conducted research related to the development of basic technologies to develop methane gas ore deposits and carbon dioxide storage that will utilize the underground environment.