Seismic Hazards Case Study

Question 1

Where is Japan located that makes it susceptible for seismic hazards?

Answer 1

Meeting point - Eurasian, Pacific & Philippines
Destructive boundary

Question 2

Outline the frequency of Japan’s earthquakes

Answer 2

30% of world earthquakes annually

Question 3

When did the Tohoku earthquake & tsunami occur in Japan

Answer 3

March 2011

Question 4

Outline the Tohoku earthquake & tsunami events

Answer 4

Magnitude = 9.0
100km east of Sendai
400-500km NA plate subducted by Pacific - slipped up 5-10m = tsunami

Question 5

Outline 3 physical impacts of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami

Answer 5

1. Moved Honshu island 2.4m to NA
2. Shifted Earth axis >10cm
3. Calved 125km^2 icebergs from Antarctic

Question 6

Outline the initial impact of the Tohoku tsunami

Answer 6

1st wave hit 3000km coastline 30mins after earthquake
Waves piled up - 1km height & 10km inland

Question 7

Outline 3 primary effects of the Tohoku earthquake & tsunami

Answer 7

1. 500km^2 flooded
2. > 18000 dead/missing
3. Buildings collapsed & ablaze from broken gas/petrol pipes

Question 8

Outline 3 secondary effects of the Tohoku earthquake & tsunami

Answer 8

1. 1/2 million homeless - 150,000 lived in temporary shelters
2. > 1mil no running H2O & >6mil no e-
3. > 700 aftershocks = more dmg

Question 9

Outline 3 short-term responses to the Tohoku earthquake & tsunami

Answer 9

1. 100K soldiers mobilised - provide aid & organise rescue
2. UK - 63 search & rescue specialist
3. Exclusion of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant + I2 tablets for radiation sickness

Question 10

Outline 3 long-term responses for the Tohoku earthquake & tsunami

Answer 10

1. 2013 new tsunami warning system to not underestimate
2. Reconstruction Design Council made special reconstruction zones in Tohoku - used tax incentive
3. Prior 2011 - nuclear 30% Japan e- Increased use on fossil fuels -> 2016 nuclear reactors licensed