![]() ![]() ![]() The connection between Japan and earthquakes is an old one, no more so to the people who live there. How Japanese Society Has Adapted to Earthquakes A seismic intensity scale varies depending on the country Japan In fact, constant seismic activity in Japan is simply part of life for many locals and expatriates alike. As Japan earthquake information available through smartphone apps, the internet and other media will tell you, however, many much smaller tremors and quakes occur daily and even hourly without any destructive effects. With a magnitude of 9, the 2011 Great Tohoku Earthquake that originated off the coast of Japan was the most powerful earthquake ever to have struck the country and the fourth strongest earthquake in the world since record-keeping began in 1900. Most furniture are displaced and some unsecured objects such as microwaves, books and kettles may seem to fly in all directions.Īctual effects vary depending on various factors including distance from the epicenter and the geological condition of the area. People are unable to move or act by will. Most brick walls that are not supported collapse. Furniture that is not secured may move or topple over. It becomes impossible to move without crawling. Glass windows begin to shatter and collapse. Many doors cannot open due to obstruction. People cannot maintain a standing position. Most people get a shock from the tremor and there is a sense of extreme danger. Brick walls that are not supported well may also topple. Heavy furniture, such as bureaus, may fall over. It is difficult to walk without holding on to something. Items that are not supported well may fall. Dishes in the cupboard and books in the shelves may fall. Most people get a shock from the tremor and feel a sense of danger. Most people get a shock from the tremor, and hanging fixtures such as lamps shake considerably dishes in the cupboard may rattle and objects may topple. Hanging fixtures, such as lights, may shake slightly. Some people indoors may feel a slight tremor. Of course, as you will see below, seismic activity in Japan has been known to go above even the highest level on the scale. The intensity of an earthquake is measured using the term "magnitude", while the impact of the earthquake that can be felt is measured on the "seismic intensity scale." Japan earthquake information differs from other countries in that there, tremors are typically measured on a 10-step seismic intensity scale of 0 through 7, with lower and upper levels in between. Such innovative technology shows that the relationship between Japan and earthquakes-although certainly frightening at times-has produced some useful technology that can help save lives. Some are actually designed with the top part able to move with a given earthquake as it happens, while others are meant to actually absorb it and stay steadfastly grounded. Fortunately, though, many buildings are outfitted to better withstand earthquakes. ![]() Japan and earthquakes go hand in hand due to the country's position along the "Pacific Ring of Fire," where it lies across three tectonic plates, including the Pacific Plate under the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Sea Plate.Īs earthquakes can also occur within a tectonic plate, thus occurring on land rather than in the sea and radiating outwards, it is it is foreseeable that a major quake may strike directly under Tokyo or another large urban city that is not accustomed to earthquakes or seismically retrofitted. An earthquake occurs due to the stresses caused by the movements of tectonic plates that comprise the earth. There are actually well-documented geological reasons why Japan is so earthquake-prone. Japan and Earthquakes: The Pacific Ring of Fire However, before getting into terms like "magnitude" and "seismic scale," let's explore the relationship between Japan and earthquakes-so that you can at least understand a bit about what's happening under your feet first. Particularly in order for the earthquake alert to be useful to you, it may be helpful to understand some basic earthquake indicators. At the same time, an alarm, warning or evacuation directive will be declared if there is a risk of tsunami. In Japan, you will sometimes hear sudden beeping noise interrupting your TV program and words flashing across the top of the screen - that is a public announcement of the occurrence and magnitude of any earthquake or natural disaster that just occurred in Japan. ![]()
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