New seismic hazard spotted in Japan's 2011 quake
Scientists have identified a new seismic hazard following the 2011 Japan earthquake. Fifteen minutes after the main shock, the ground across Japan shifted eastward by up to 6 mm. Using satellite data, researchers discovered this movement was triggered by ScS waves. These seismic waves travel down from the earthquake source, bounce off the planet's core, and return to the surface, hitting Japan's tectonic plate boundaries almost simultaneously. This finding adds a new dimension to understanding earthquake impacts and hazards.
Key Points
- A new seismic hazard was identified in Japan following the 2011 earthquake.
- Ground across Japan shifted eastward by up to 6 mm, 15 minutes after the main shock.
- This movement was triggered by ScS waves, which travel through the Earth's core.
- ScS waves hit Japan's tectonic plate boundaries simultaneously, causing widespread ground displacement.
Exam Facts
- The event occurred after the 2011 Japan earthquake.
- Ground shifted east by up to 6 mm.
- The movement was triggered by ScS waves.
- ScS waves bounce off the planet's core.
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