Tsunami Video Flashcards
how long did the earthquake last in Tokyo? describe the process of liquefaction as seen in the video filmed by a tourist in Tokyo.
5 minutes
crack gets bigger and smaller, back and forth
as the ground compresses, liquified dirt pumps to the surface
why did the walls in Miyako fail to restrain the tsunami?
the earthquake caused the walls to drop, making the tsunami able to overcome it
drop puts towns in danger
why was the Fukushima nuclear plant at risk of meltdown? how did the military try to save
the plant?
no power to cool the reactors, incredible heat of the fuel rods generates hydrogen gas, pressure builds up
helicopters scoop up seawater in an attempt to cool the reactors - ineffective
why might a similar earthquake/tsunami event happen off the west coast of North America? which specific land areas are at highest risk from such an event?
Washington, Oregon, and Vancouver Island
the way the plates are shifting is similar to how it was in Japan - megaquake
what new feature did the tsunami produce in Kahoku? explain how the geography of that area made this a particularly remarkable occurrence.
a new saltwater lake among mountains, miles from the sea
the presence of valleys or narrow passages in the mountainous terrain likely channeled the tsunami waters inland, allowing them to reach higher elevations and more distant locations than would normally be expected
