tohoku case study a level geography

Case Study: How does Japan live with earthquakes?

Japan lies within one of the most tectonically active zones in the world. It experiences over 400 earthquakes every day. The majority of these are not felt by humans and are only detected by instruments. Japan has been hit by a number of high-intensity earthquakes in the past. Since 2000 there are have been 16000 fatalities as the result of tectonic activity.

Japan is located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where the North American, Pacific, Eurasian and Philippine plates come together. Northern Japan is on top of the western tip of the North American plate. Southern Japan sits mostly above the Eurasian plate. This leads to the formation of volcanoes such as Mount Unzen and Mount Fuji. Movements along these plate boundaries also present the risk of tsunamis to the island nation. The Pacific Coastal zone, on the east coast of Japan, is particularly vulnerable as it is very densely populated.

The 2011 Japan Earthquake: Tōhoku

Japan experienced one of its largest seismic events on March 11 2011. A magnitude 9.0 earthquake occurred 70km off the coast of the northern island of Honshu where the Pacific and North American plate meet. It is the largest recorded earthquake to hit Japan and is in the top five in the world since records began in 1900. The earthquake lasted for six minutes.

A map to show the location of the 2011 Japan Earthquake

The earthquake had a significant impact on the area. The force of the megathrust earthquake caused the island of Honshu to move east 2.4m. Parts of the Japanese coastline dr[[ed by 60cm. The seabed close to the focus of the earthquake rose by 7m and moved westwards between 40-50m. In addition to this, the earthquake shifted the Earth 10-15cm on its axis.

The earthquake triggered a tsunami which reached heights of 40m when it reached the coast. The tsunami wave reached 10km inland in some places.

What were the social impacts of the Japanese earthquake in 2011?

The tsunami in 2011 claimed the lives of 15,853 people and injured 6023. The majority of the victims were over the age of 60 (66%). 90% of the deaths was caused by drowning. The remaining 10% died as the result of being crushed in buildings or being burnt. 3282 people were reported missing, presumed dead.

Disposing of dead bodies proved to be very challenging because of the destruction to crematoriums, morgues and the power infrastructure. As the result of this many bodies were buried in mass graves to reduce the risk of disease spreading.

Many people were displaced as the result of the tsunami. According to Save the Children 100,000 children were separated from their families. The main reason for this was that children were at school when the earthquake struck. In one elementary school, 74 of 108 students and 10 out of 13 staff lost their lives.

More than 333000 people had to live in temporary accommodation. National Police Agency of Japan figures shows almost 300,000 buildings were destroyed and a further one million damaged, either by the quake, tsunami or resulting fires. Almost 4,000 roads, 78 bridges and 29 railways were also affected. Reconstruction is still taking place today. Some communities have had to be relocated from their original settlements.

What were the economic impacts of the Japanese earthquake in 2011?

The estimated cost of the earthquake, including reconstruction, is £181 billion. Japanese authorities estimate 25 million tonnes of debris were generated in the three worst-affected prefectures (counties). This is significantly more than the amount of debris created during the 2010 Haiti earthquake. 47,700 buildings were destroyed and 143,300 were damaged. 230,000 vehicles were destroyed or damaged. Four ports were destroyed and a further 11 were affected in the northeast of Japan.

There was a significant impact on power supplies in Japan. 4.4 million households and businesses lost electricity. 11 nuclear reactors were shut down when the earthquake occurred. The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant was decommissioned because all six of its reactors were severely damaged. Seawater disabled the plant’s cooling systems which caused the reactor cores to meltdown, leading to the release of radioactivity. Radioactive material continues to be released by the plant and vegetation and soil within the 30km evacuation zone is contaminated. Power cuts continued for several weeks after the earthquake and tsunami. Often, these lasted between 3-4 hours at a time. The earthquake also had a negative impact on the oil industry as two refineries were set on fire during the earthquake.

Transport was also negatively affected by the earthquake. Twenty-three train stations were swept away and others experienced damage. Many road bridges were damaged or destroyed.

Agriculture was affected as salt water contaminated soil and made it impossible to grow crops.

The stock market crashed and had a negative impact on companies such as Sony and Toyota as the cost of the earthquake was realised.  Production was reduced due to power cuts and assembly of goods, such as cars overseas, were affected by the disruption in the supply of parts from Japan.

What were the political impacts of the Japanese earthquake in 2011?

Government debt was increased when it injects billions of yen into the economy. This was at a time when the government were attempting to reduce the national debt.

Several years before the disaster warnings had been made about the poor defences that existed at nuclear power plants in the event of a tsunami. A number of executives at the Fukushima power plant resigned in the aftermath of the disaster. A movement against nuclear power, which Japan heavily relies on, developed following the tsunami.

The disaster at Fukushima added political weight in European countries were anti-nuclear bodies used the event to reinforce their arguments against nuclear power.

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Tohoku Earthquake & Tsunami

Causes and impacts - tohoku earthquake and tsunami.

In March 2011, there was an earthquake and tsunami in Tohoku, Japan. This is an example of a developed country experiencing a disaster.

• There was a magnitude 9.0 earthquake east of Sendai, under the sea in the north-west Pacific Ocean.
• This earthquake took place on a subduction zone between the Pacific and Eurasian tectonic plates.
• Within 45 minutes, a tsunami between 10 and 20 m high struck the eastern coast of Japan.
• In some places, the tsunami was 40 m high and travelled up to 20 km inland.

• There were 16,000 known deaths, 3,000 missing and 6,000 injured.
• 130,000 buildings were destroyed and 145,000 damaged.
• There was massive damage to ports, factories and services in coastal areas – over 26 million tonnes of debris was created.
• Economic losses were US$300 billion.
• A major secondary issue arose when a nuclear power station at Fukushima was flooded and failed. There were fears of a nuclear meltdown and severe pollution.

Responses - Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami

Immediately after

• The immediate priority was search and rescue, and stabilisation and prevention of nuclear disaster from the failure of the affected nuclear plant at Fukushima.
• A huge amount of temporary housing was provided.
• The area around Fukushima was evacuated in the long-term because the effects of nuclear pollution on human health are severe for years after being exposed to it.

Long-term response

• In the aftermath, a government report was commissioned to establish principles for recovery.
• The report focused on future safety measures (e.g. a higher tsunami wall), greater environmental awareness for future planning (e.g. avoiding flat coastal areas) and long-term support for those who had lost relatives or been otherwise affected.

1 Tectonic Processes & Hazards

1.1 Tectonic Processes & Hazards

1.1.1 Tectonic Plates

1.1.2 Distribution of Tectonic Hazards

1.1.3 Theoretical Frameworks

1.1.4 Earthquakes

1.1.5 Earthquake Hazards

1.1.6 Volcanoes

1.1.7 Tsunamis

1.1.8 End of Topic Test - Tectonic Processes

1.1.9 Exam-Style Question - Earthquakes

1.2 Natural Disasters

1.2.1 Introduction to Natural Disasters

1.2.2 Impacts of Hazards

1.2.3 Comparing Hazards

1.2.4 Development & Governance

1.3 Natural Disaster Case Studies

1.3.1 Tohoku Earthquake & Tsunami

1.3.2 Gorkha Earthquake

1.3.3 Mount Merapi Eruption

1.4 Trends & Patterns

1.4.1 Disaster Trends

1.4.2 Prediction

1.5 Disaster Modification

1.5.1 Hazard Management

1.5.2 Modifications

1.5.3 End of Topic Test - Natural Disasters

1.5.4 Exam-Style Question - Disaster Modification

2 Option 2A: Glaciated Landscapes & Change

2.1 Glaciated Landscapes Over Time

2.1.1 Timeline of Glacial Change

2.1.2 Natural Causes

2.1.3 Ice Distributions

2.2 Periglacial Landscapes

2.2.1 Periglacial Processes

2.2.2 Periglacial Landforms

2.3 Glacial Processes

2.3.1 Mass Balance

2.3.2 Glacial Movement

2.4 Glacial Landforms

2.4.1 Landscapes

2.4.2 Erosional Landforms

2.4.3 Erosional Landforms 2

2.4.4 Erosional Landforms 3

2.4.5 Depositional Landforms

2.4.6 Fluvioglaciation

2.5 The Future of Glaciated Landscapes

2.5.1 The Value of Glaciated Landscapes

2.5.2 The Value of Glaciated Landscapes 2

2.5.3 Threats to Glaciated Landscapes

2.5.4 Managing the Threats to Glaciated Landscapes

3 Option 2B: Coastal Landscapes & Change

3.1 Coastal Landscapes

3.1.1 The Wider Coastal Landscape

3.1.2 Geological Structure

3.1.3 Lithology & Vegetation

3.2 Coastal Erosion & Deposition

3.2.1 Shaping Coastlines

3.2.2 Coastal Formations

3.2.3 Sediment Transportation

3.2.4 Subaerial Processes

3.3 Coastal Risks

3.3.1 Sea Level Change

3.3.2 Coastal Retreat

3.3.3 Coastal Flooding

3.4 Managing Coastlines

3.4.1 Consequences of Coastal Recession

3.4.2 Engineering Management Approaches

3.4.3 Governance Approaches

4 Globalisation

4.1 Globalisation

4.1.1 Intro to Globalisation

4.1.2 Development of Globalisation

4.1.3 Economic Policy & Globalisation

4.1.4 Government Policy & Globalisation

4.1.5 International Organisations & Globalisation

4.1.6 Measuring Globalisation

4.1.7 TNCs & Globalisation

4.1.8 TNCs - Aramco & Anglo-Iranian Oil

4.2 Negatives of Globalisation

4.2.1 'Switched Off' Places

4.3 Global Shift

4.3.1 Global Shift for Developing Nations

4.3.2 Global Shift for Developing Nations 2

4.3.3 Global Shift for Developed Nations

4.3.4 End of Topic Test - Globalisation

4.4 Migration

4.4.1 Megacities

4.4.2 International Migration

4.4.3 Country Interdependence

4.5 Culture

4.5.1 Global Culture

4.5.2 Cultural Erosion

4.6 Measuring Development

4.6.1 Measuring Development

4.7 Responses to Globalisation

4.7.1 Tensions Caused by Globalisation

4.7.2 Government Control of Globalisation

4.7.3 Ethical Responses to Globalisation

4.7.4 End of Topic Test - Migration, Culture, & Response

5 Option 4A: Regenerating Places

5.1 Types of Economies

5.1.1 Economic Activity

5.1.2 Employment

5.1.3 Economic Activity - Health & Life

5.1.4 Economic Activity - Education & Inequality

5.2 Function of Places

5.2.1 Characteristics of Places

5.2.2 Changes in Places

5.2.3 International Influences on Places

5.2.4 Historic Influences on Places

5.2.5 The Perception of Places

5.2.6 Lived Experience & Attachment

5.3 Regeneration

5.3.1 Migration & Capital

5.3.2 Success & Regeneration

5.3.3 Tensions & Conflict in Communities

5.3.4 Regeneration in the UK

5.3.5 Local Government Policies

5.3.6 Regeneration Strategies

5.3.7 Measuring Regeneration Success

5.4 Regeneration Case Studies

5.4.1 Stratford

5.4.2 Salford Quays

5.4.3 Croyde

6 Option 4B: Diverse Places

6.1 Population Structure

6.1.1 The UK

6.1.2 Population Characteristics

6.1.3 Government & Change

6.2 Past & Present Connections

6.2.1 International Influence on Places

6.2.2 Historic Influences on Places

6.2.3 The Perception of Places

6.2.4 Image & Identity

6.3 Urban & Rural Spaces

6.3.1 Perceptions of Urban Places

6.3.2 Perceptions of Rural Places

6.3.3 Evaluating Living Space

6.4 Diversity

6.4.1 UK Migrations

6.4.2 Challenges

6.4.3 Tensions & Conflict

6.4.4 Wider Outcomes of Tensions

6.4.5 Managing Tensions

6.5 Urban & Rural Case Studies

6.5.1 Stakeholders

6.6 Case Study - Tower Hamlets

6.6.1 Background

6.6.2 Characteristics

6.6.3 Issues

6.7 Case Study - Sturton-le-Steeple

6.7.1 Background

6.7.2 Characteristics

6.7.3 Issues

7 The Water Cycle & Water Insecurity (A2 only)

7.1 Hydrological Processes Global to Local

7.1.1 Global Hydrological Cycle

7.1.2 Drainage Basin Hydrological Cycle

7.1.3 Water Budgets

7.1.4 River Regimes

7.1.5 Storm Hydrographs

7.2 Influences on the Water Cycle

7.2.1 Causes of Drought

7.2.2 Impacts of Drought

7.2.3 Causes of Flooding

7.2.4 Impacts of Flooding

7.2.5 Climate Change & The Water Cycle

7.2.6 Impacts of Climate Change

7.2.7 End of Topic Test - The Water Cycle

7.3 Water Insecurity

7.3.1 Water Stress

7.3.2 Causes of Water Insecurity

7.3.3 Water Insecurity Risk

7.3.4 Conflict Over Water

7.4 Water Supply Management

7.4.1 Hard Engineering Schemes

7.4.2 Sustainable Management

7.4.3 Water Treaties & Framework

7.4.4 End of Topic Test - Water Insecurity & Management

8 The Carbon Cycle & Energy Security (A2 only)

8.1 The Carbon Cycle

8.1.1 Carbon Stores

8.1.2 Carbon Stores 2

8.1.3 Biological Carbon

8.1.4 Atmospheric Carbon

8.1.5 Burning Fossil Fuels

8.2 Energy Consumption

8.2.1 Consumption

8.2.2 Access to Energy

8.2.3 Energy Players

8.2.4 Supply & Demand

8.2.5 Pathways

8.2.6 End of Topic Test - Carbon & Consumption

8.3 Alternative Energy

8.3.1 Unconventional Fuels

8.3.2 Non-Fossil Fuels

8.3.3 Non-Fossil Fuels 2

8.4 Growing Demand for Resources

8.4.1 Deforestation

8.4.2 Water

8.4.3 Climate Change

8.5 The Future

8.5.1 Future Uncertainty

8.5.2 Adaptation Strategies

8.5.3 Mitigation Strategies

9 Superpowers (A2 only)

9.1 Superpowers

9.1.1 Introduction to Superpowers

9.1.2 Superpowers - Economic Power & Size

9.1.3 Superpowers - Political & Military Power

9.1.4 Superpowers - Culture, Demography & Resources

9.1.5 Geo-Strategic Location

9.2 Hard & Soft Power

9.2.1 Hard & Soft Power

9.2.2 Emerging Powers - China Rivalry

9.2.3 Emerging Powers - Chinese Sources of Power

9.2.4 Emerging Powers - Brazil

9.2.5 Emerging Powers - Russia

9.2.6 Emerging Powers - India

9.2.7 Theories of Development

9.2.8 Power Case Studies: Chinese One Belt One Road

9.2.9 Power Case Studies: Pakistan Nuclear Arms

9.2.10 Power Case Studies: OPEC

9.3 IGOs, TNCs & Alliances

9.3.1 Superpowers & IGOs

9.3.2 Superpowers & TNCs

9.3.3 Superpowers & Global Action

9.3.4 Superpowers & Alliances

9.3.5 Superpowers & the Environment

9.4 Changing Global Influence

9.4.1 Recent Tensions between Powers

9.4.2 China in Africa & Asia

9.4.3 Tensions in the Middle East

9.4.4 Economic Problems for Superpowers

9.4.5 Future Pattern of Power

10 Option 8A: Health & Human Rights (A2 only)

10.1 Human Development

10.1.1 Measuring Development

10.1.2 Factors Improving Development

10.1.3 Variations in Health

10.2 Role of Governments & IGOs

10.2.1 Targets & Attitudes

10.2.2 Financial IGOs

10.2.3 The United Nations (UN)

10.2.4 The UN's MDGs & SDGs

10.3 Human Rights

10.3.1 Human Rights

10.3.2 Differences Between Countries

10.3.3 Transitions to Democracy

10.3.4 Differences Within Countries

10.3.5 The Demand for Equality

10.4 Interventions

10.4.1 Geopolitical Interventions

10.4.2 International Intervention Players

10.4.3 Evaluating Geopolitical Intervention

10.4.4 Military Interventions

10.4.5 Evaluating Military Interventions

10.5 Development Aid

10.5.1 Forms

10.5.2 Successes

10.5.3 Criticisms

10.5.4 Development Aid & the Environment

10.5.5 Evaluating Development Aid

10.5.6 Economic Inequalities

11 Option 8B: Migration & Identity (A2 only)

11.1 Globalisation & Migration

11.1.1 Intro to Migration

11.1.2 Trends in Migration

11.1.3 Common Migration Patterns

11.1.4 Causes of Migration

11.1.5 Restrictions on Migration

11.2 Consequences of Migration

11.2.1 Intro to Culture

11.2.2 Social & Demographic Tensions of Migration

11.2.3 Political & Economic Tensions of Migration

11.3 Nation States

11.3.1 Intro to Nation States

11.3.2 Borders

11.3.3 Nationalism

11.4 Responses to Global Migration

11.4.1 Responses to Global Migration

11.4.2 Global Organisations

11.4.3 IGOs and World Trade

11.4.4 Financial IGOs

11.4.5 Environmental IGOs

11.5 Sovereignty & Identity

11.5.1 Sovereignty & Nationalism

11.5.2 Complex Identities

11.5.3 Challenges to National Identities

11.5.4 Tensions within Nations

11.5.5 Failed States

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Join get revising, already a member, case study: tohoku.

• Created by: Jamie Grainger
• Created on: 11-04-17 22:07

CASE STUDY: TOHOKU, JAPAN (MEDC)

• 11th March, 2011
• 9.0 on the Richter scale
• 100km east of Sendai
• 3000km of coastline affected
• Lasted 6 mintues, plus couple of afterschocks.
• Destructive plate margin where the Pacific plate was being subducted by the North Amercian. 
• A segment of rock around 200km long slipped and flicked upwards by 10m. 
• Sudden uplift at the boundary caused tsunami. 
• East edge of the Eurasian plate. 

Social impacts:

• 2000 people killed
• Electricity lost in 6 million homes 
• 1 million had no running water 
• Natural hazards

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On 11 March 2011, the lives of many Japanese people changed as they lived the greatest magnitude earthquake experienced by Japan in its recorded history. The Tohoku earthquake and tsunami occurred with a magnitude of 9. Its epicentre was located 130 kilometres from the east of Sendai (the largest city in the Tohoku region), below the North Pacific Ocean. The shaking began at 2:46pm local time and lasted about six minutes. This caused a tsunami within 30 minutes with waves reaching 40 metres. The tsunami reached the land and flooded 561 square kilometres.

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The cities of Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima were the most affected by the earthquake and tsunami. However, it was also felt in cities such as Tokyo, which is approximately 400 kilometres from the epicentre.

What caused the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami?

The Tohoku earthquake and tsunami were caused by centuries of build-up stress that was released in the convergent tectonic plate margin between the Pacific and the Eurasian plates. This is a common cause of Earthquakes as the Pacific tectonic plate is being subducted below the Eurasian plate. It was later discovered that a slippery layer of clay at the fault had let the plates slide 50 metres. Changes in sea levels were detected in the countries of the Pacific Rim, Antarctica, and the West Coast of Brazil.

What are the environmental impacts of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami?

The environmental impacts of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami include contamination of groundwater (as the saltwater and pollution from the ocean infiltrate to the ground due to the tsunami), removal of silt from coastal waterways due to the force of the tsunami, and destruction of coastal ecosystems. Further indirect impacts include the environmental toll of reconstruction. The earthquake also caused some beachfronts to drop by 0.5m, generating landfalls in the coastal areas.

What are the social impacts of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami?

The social impacts of the earthquake and tsunami include:

• 15,899 people dead.
• 2527 missing and now presumed dead.
• 6157 injured.
• 450,000 lost their homes.

The unfortunate events caused other long-term consequences:

• 50,000 people were still living in temporary homes by 2017.
• 2083 children of all ages lost their parents.

To deal with the social impacts, in 2014 Ashinaga, a non-profit organisation based in Japan, built three emotional support facilities in the affected areas, where children and families are able to support each other and work through their grief. Ashinaga has also been providing emotional and financial support.

They conducted a survey ten years after the disaster, which showed that 54.9% of widowed parents are still in disbelief about losing their spouse due to the disaster. (1) Moreover, many continued to live in fear of radiation from the nuclear power meltdowns, and didn’t allow their children to play outdoors even in areas deemed safe.

What are the economic impacts of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami?

The economic impact of the earthquake and tsunami has been estimated to cost £159 billion, the most expensive disaster to date. The earthquake and tsunami destroyed most of the infrastructure (ports, factories, businesses, and transportation systems) in the worst affected areas and they had to implement a ten-year recovery plan.

Moreover, 1046 buildings in Tokyo were damaged due to liquefaction (the loss of strength in soil due to the movement of earthquakes ). The tsunami caused three nuclear power meltdowns, which have caused long-term challenges for recovery as high levels of radiation remain. TEPCO, the Tokyo Electric Power Company, announced that a full recovery of the plants can take 30 to 40 years. Finally, the Japanese government monitors food safety to ensure that they are within the safe limits of radiation content.

What mitigation strategies existed before the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami?

The mitigation strategies before the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami consisted of methods such as seawalls, breakwaters, and hazard maps. The Kamaishi tsunami breakwater was the deepest breakwater in the world at 63m deep, but it could not fully protect the citizens. However, it provided a six minute delay and reduced the tsunami height by 40% in the harbour. In 2004, the government published maps that pointed out the areas flooded by past tsunamis , how to find shelter, and instructions on evacuation and methods of survival. Moreover, people often carried out evacuation drills.

Additionally, they enforced a warning system that alerted Tokyo residents of the earthquake using a siren and text message. This stopped trains and assembly lines, reducing the consequences of the earthquake.

From 1993, when a tsunami devastated Okushiri Island, the government decided to implement more urban planning to provide tsunami resilience (e.g. evacuation buildings, which are tall, vertical buildings raised above the water, for temporary refuge). However, the predicted maximum magnitude of possible earthquakes in the area was Mw 8.5. This was concluded through monitoring seismic activity around Japan, which suggested that the Pacific plate was moving at a rate of 8.5cm per year.

What new mitigation strategies were implemented after the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami?

The new mitigation strategies after the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami have focused on evacuation and easy reconstruction instead of defence. Their reliance on seawalls made some citizens feel that they were safe enough to not evacuate during the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. However, what we have learnt is that we cannot depend on infrastructure based on defence. The newer buildings are designed to allow the waves to pass through their large doorways and windows, which minimises the possible damages and allows the citizens to flee to elevated grounds. Investment into tsunami forecasting has included research using AI to provide more opportunities for the citizens to evacuate.

Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami - Key takeaways

• The Tohoku earthquake and tsunami occurred on 11 March 2011 with an earthquake of magnitude 9.

The epicentre was located 130km from the east of Sendai (the largest city in the Tohoku region), below the North Pacific Ocean.

• The Tohoku earthquake and tsunami were caused by centuries of build-up stress that was released in the convergent plate margin between the Pacific and the Eurasian plates.
• The environmental impacts of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami include contamination of groundwater, desilting of coastal waterways, and destruction of coastal ecosystems.
• The social impacts of the earthquake and tsunami include 15,899 deaths, 2527 people missing and now presumed dead, 6157 injured, and 450,000 who lost their homes. Many were in disbelief about losing their spouse due to the disaster, and some did not allow their children to play outdoors in areas deemed safe due to their fear of radiation.
• The economic impact of the earthquake and tsunami has been estimated to cost £159 billion.
• The mitigation strategies before the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami comprised methods such as seawalls, breakwaters, hazard maps, and warning systems.
• New mitigation strategies after the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami have focused on evacuation and easy reconstruction instead of defence, which includes optimising the forecasting and constructing buildings designed to allow the waves to pass through.

Ashinaga. ‘Ten Years Since March 11, 2011: Remembering the Devastating Triple Disaster in Tohoku,’ 2011.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami

--> what caused the tohoku earthquake and tsunami how did they happen.

The Tohoku earthquake and tsunami (sometimes known as the Japanese earthquake and tsunami) were caused by centuries of build-up stress that was released in the convergent plate margin between the Pacific and the Eurasian tectonic plates. The Pacific plate is being subducted below the Eurasian tectonic plate.

--> What happened after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami?

The social impacts of the earthquake and tsunami include 15,899 deaths, 2527 people missing and now presumed dead, 6157 injured, and 450,000 who lost their homes. The economic impact of the earthquake and tsunami has been estimated to cost £159 billion, the most expensive disaster to date. The tsunami caused three nuclear power meltdowns which have caused long term challenges for recovery as high levels of radiation remain.

When did the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami occur?

The Tohoku earthquake and tsunami occurred on 11 March 2011. The shaking began at 2:46pm local time and lasted about six minutes. This caused a tsunami within 30 minutes.

What was the magnitude of the Tohoku earthquake?

The magnitude of the Tohoku earthquake was 9 Mw.

Where was the epicentre of the Tohoku earthquake located?

The Tohoku earthquake and tsunami were caused by centuries of build-up stress that was released in the convergent plate margin between the Pacific and the Eurasian plates. The Pacific plate is being subducted below the Eurasian plate.

The environmental impacts of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami include contamination of groundwater, desilting of coastal waterways, and destruction of coastal ecosystems. Further indirect impacts include the environmental toll of reconstruction. The earthquake also caused some beachfronts to drop by 0.5m, generating landfalls in the coastal areas.

Around how many were directly affected by the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami?

The social impacts of the earthquake and tsunami include 15,899 deaths, 2527 people missing and now presumed dead, 6157 injured, and 450,000 who lost their homes.

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Case Study – The 2011 Japan Earthquake

Cambridge iGCSE Geography > The Natural Environment > Earthquakes and Volcanoes > Case Study – The 2011 Japan Earthquake

Background Information

Location : The earthquake struck 250 miles off the northeastern coast of Japan’s Honshu Island at 2:46 pm (local time) on March 11, 2011.

Japan 2011 Earthquake map

Magnitude : It measured 9.1 on the Moment Magnitude scale, making it one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded.

Japan is a highly developed country with advanced infrastructure, technology, and a robust economy. The nation has a high GDP, an efficient healthcare system, and extensive education. However, it’s also located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it prone to earthquakes.

What caused the 2011 Japan earthquake?

Japan is located on the eastern edge of the Eurasian Plate. The Eurasian plate, which is continental, is subducted by the Pacific Plate, an oceanic plate forming a subduction zone to the east of Japan. This type of plate margin is known as a destructive plate margin . The process of subduction is not smooth. Friction causes the Pacific Plate to stick. Pressure builds and is released as an earthquake.

Friction has built up over time, and when released, this caused a massive ‘megathrust’ earthquake. The enormous tension released as the plates shifted caused the seafloor to uplift, triggering the earthquake and subsequent tsunami .

The amount of energy released in this single earthquake was 600 million times the energy of the Hiroshima nuclear bomb.

Scientists drilled into the subduction zone soon after the earthquake and discovered a thin, slippery clay layer lining the fault. The researchers think this clay layer allowed the two plates to slide an incredible distance, some 164 feet (50 metres), facilitating the enormous earthquake and tsunami.

The earthquake occurred at a relatively shallow depth of 20 miles below the surface of the Pacific Ocean. This, combined with the high magnitude, caused a tsunami (find out more about  how a tsunami is formed  on the BBC website).

What were the primary effects of the 2011 Japan earthquake?

• Ground Shaking : Extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure.
• Landfall: Some coastal areas experienced land subsidence as the earthquake dropped the beachfront in some places by more than 50 cm.

What were the secondary effects of the 2011 Japan earthquake?

• Tsunami : A giant tsunami wave resulted in widespread destruction along the coast.
• Fatalities : Around 16,000 deaths were reported, mainly resulting from the tsunami.
• Injuries : 26,152 were injured, mainly as a result of the tsunami.
• Nuclear Crisis : The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant was damaged, leading to radiation leaks.
• Economic Loss : Estimated at over $235 billion.
• Displacement : Around 340,000 people were displaced from their homes.
• Damage: The tsunami destroyed or damaged 332,395 buildings, 2,126 roads, 56 bridges, and 26 railways. Three hundred hospitals were damaged, and 11 were destroyed.
• Environmental Damage : Coastal ecosystems were heavily impacted.
• Blackouts: Over 4.4 million households were left without electricity in North-East Japan.
• Transport: Rural areas remained isolated for a long time because the tsunami destroyed major roads and local trains and buses. Sections of the Tohoku Expressway were damaged. Railway lines were damaged, and some trains were derailed.

What were the immediate responses to the 2011 Japan earthquake?

Tsunami Warnings and Prediction :

• The Japan Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings three minutes after the earthquake.
• Scientists predicted where the tsunami would hit using modelling and forecasting technology.

Search and Rescue Operations:

• Rescue workers and 100,000 members of the Japan Self-Defence Force were dispatched within hours.
• Some individuals were rescued from beneath rubble with the aid of sniffer dogs.

Radiation Protection Measures:

• The government declared a 20 km evacuation zone around the Fukushima nuclear power plant.
• Evacuees from the area around the nuclear power plant were given iodine tablets to reduce radiation poisoning risk.

International Assistance:

• Japan received help from the US military.
• Search and rescue teams from New Zealand, India, South Korea, China, and Australia were sent.

Access and Evacuation :

• Access was restricted to affected areas due to debris and mud, complicating immediate support.
• Hundreds of thousands were evacuated to temporary shelters or relocated.

Health Monitoring :

• Those near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear meltdown had radiation levels checked and their health monitored.
• Measures were taken to ensure individuals did not receive dangerous exposure to radiation.

What were the long-term responses to the 2011 Japan earthquake?

Reconstruction Policy and Budget:

• Establishment of the Reconstruction Policy Council in April 2011.
• Approval of a budget of 23 trillion yen (£190 billion) for recovery over ten years.
• Creation of ‘Special Zones for Reconstruction’ to attract investment in the Tohoku region.

Coastal Protection Measures:

• Implementing coastal protection policies like seawalls and breakwaters designed for a 150-year recurrence interval of tsunamis.

Legislation for Tsunami-Resilient Communities:

• Enactment of the ‘Act on the Development of Tsunami-resilient Communities’ in December 2011.
• Emphasis on human life, combining infrastructure development with measures for the largest class tsunami.

Economic Challenges and Recovery:

• Japan’s economy wiped 5–10% off the value of stock markets post-earthquake.
• Long-term response priority: rebuild infrastructure, restore and improve the economy’s health.

Transportation and Infrastructure Repair:

• Repair and reopening of 375 km of the Tohoku Expressway by the 24th of March 2011.
• Restoration of the runway at Sendai Airport by the 29th of March, a joint effort by the Japanese Defence Force and the US Army.

Utility Reconstruction:

• Energy, water supply, and telecommunications infrastructure reconstruction.
• As of November 2011: 96% of electricity, 98% of water, and 99% of the landline network had been restored.

How does Japan prepare for earthquakes, and what was its impact?

Japan has a comprehensive earthquake preparedness program, including:

• Strict Building Codes : Buildings are constructed to withstand seismic activity.
• Early Warning Systems : Advanced technology provides early warnings to citizens.
• Education and Drills : Regular earthquake drills in schools, offices, and public places.

Impact of the 2011 Earthquake

The extensive preparation in Japan likely saved lives and reduced damage during the 2011 earthquake. However, the unprecedented magnitude of the event still led to significant destruction, particularly with the tsunami and nuclear crisis.

The 2011 Japan earthquake illustrates the complexity of managing natural disasters in even the most developed and prepared nations. The event prompted further refinements in disaster preparedness and response in Japan and globally, highlighting the need for continuous assessment and adaptation to seismic risks.

The 2011 earthquake occurred off Japan’s Honshu Island, measuring 9.1 on the Moment Magnitude scale, one of the strongest ever recorded.

Triggered by a ‘megathrust’ in a destructive plate margin, the Pacific Plate subducted the Eurasian Plate, releasing energy equivalent to 600 million Hiroshima bombs.

Primary effects included extensive ground shaking and significant land subsidence in coastal areas.

Secondary effects included a massive tsunami, around 16,000 deaths, 26,152 injuries, a nuclear crisis at Fukushima, over $235 billion in economic loss, displacement of 340,000 people, and widespread damage to infrastructure and the environment.

Immediate responses included rapid tsunami warnings, extensive search and rescue operations, radiation protection measures, international assistance, and evacuation strategies.

Long-term responses focused on reconstruction policies, coastal protection, tsunami-resilient community development, economic recovery, and transportation and utility restoration.

Japan’s extensive earthquake preparedness, including strict building codes and early warning systems, likely reduced damage, but the magnitude still caused significant destruction.

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