Earthquakes in Japan
Seismicity is the frequency of earthquakes in an area. According to the Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Maps in Japan, each site will be affected by an earthquake of seismic intensity 6 lower or more within 30 years. It can be seen on the images above that most of Japan's seismicity is located in the East and South. One of the reasons why Japan gets hit by so many strong earthquakes is because they are located on what's called the "Pacific Ring of Fire." This ring of fire is considered the most active earthquake belt in the world and it goes around a couple of plate boundaries. Since Japan is the country to get hit with the most frequent strong earthquakes, they are also the country that is most prepared for earthquakes. Here are some examples on how they prepare for earthquakes:
- Children in school are taught heavily on how to prepare for an earthquake under any scenario with monthly drills at school
- After the Kobe earthquake in 1995, building regulations for residential offices and transport infrastructure were reinforced
- Buildings are made earthquake proof with the aid of deep foundation and massive shock absorbers that dampen seismic energy.
- Television and radio stations switch immediately to official earthquake coverage which informs the public of risks, including tsunamis to enable people to retreat to higher ground or, on the coast, purpose-built tsunami defense bunkers.
- All offices and many private houses in Japan have an earthquake emergency kits, including dry rations, drinking water, basic medical supplies that come in very handy when trapped.
References:
http://www.j-shis.bosai.go.jp/en/shm
http://www.eri.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/2016/11/21/seismicity-map-of-japan-english-version-in-print/
https://www.livescience.com/54434-why-so-many-earthquakes-strike-japan.html
http://www.floodgatesblog.com/2018/08/24/dozens-of-quakes-rattle-pacifics-ring-of-fire/
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8375591/Japan-earthquake-country-better-prepared-than-anyone-for-quakes-and-tsunamis.html
Yes, this country is probably one of the most prepared for [big] quakes that I know...very good research this week.
ReplyDeleteHi Manny, nice post about earthquakes in Japan. Most of the information was really expected because of how much Japan has to go through because of natural disasters mainly; because of earthquakes. It was nice to learn that schools have monthly drills and that the tv's and radios automatically switch to the official coverage of earthquakes.
ReplyDeleteI recommend you watch this below [animation of 2011 event] and try to figure out when the 'big' one was....amazing how many quakes are needed to release of all the energy after a slip in the plates....
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSBjEvPH2j4
This country is most organize and prepare for earthquakes since children’s are taught heavily on the aspects about earthquakes. Cuba lies on the rings on fire, obviously it’s more active earthquake and the hit will have a bigger impact on the country. All the info seems like the country is well prepare since it was all over the news in japan in order to give cautions.
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