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The tectonic plate moved, releasing strain that had accumulated for hundreds of years. In the ocean off the NE coast of Honshu, the Pacific Plate is subducting under the continental plate, which is defined either as the Okhotsk Plate (North American Plate) or the Philippine Plate, which borders to the south. The movement of these plates is not continuous, but in sudden spurts (earthquakes).
The earthquake hit the Pacific Ocean nearby northeastern Japan at around 2:46 PM (JST) on March 11, 2011, causing major damage and loss of life with blackouts, fires and tsunami. Over 10,000 people have died
Wiki User
∙ 10y ago
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThe Earth is covered with tectonic "plates", partial shells of rock. As heat is distributed from the Earth's core, it moves the plates around very slowly. But the plates stick together around the edges, and as forces build up, the plates jerk or lurch across the Earth's mantle. We call this an "earthquake".
The Japan plate touches the Pacific plate, and over the last 100 years or so, considerable stress built up along the boundaries. On March 11, 2011, much of the stress was relieved as the Pacific plate rode underneath the Japan plate. The movement of the Earth was significant, but the jolt caused a movement in the ocean, called a "tsunami". The tsunami is what caused most of the damage and deaths. As of March 20, 2011, the official death toll is over 8,000, but there are about 15,000 people still missing.
Most areas of the Earth are subject to occasional earthquakes, especially around the edges of the Pacific plate. Because of the frequency of earthquakes and volcanoes, this is sometimes called the "Ring of Fire". Within the past year, in addition to the March 11 quake, major earthquakes have occurred in New Zealand and Chile.
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoJapan has many earthquakes because it is position in the Pacific Ring of Fire. Japan also has many volcanoes and are prone to tsunamis.
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoThe plates moved so this can occur the earthquake.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoThere tectonic plates moved side by side causing the ground to shake :) it is called a conservative plate boundry :)
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What was the epicentre of the recent big tsunami in Japan?
Tsunamis do not have epicentres. Earthquakes do. Sometimes, as in the case of Japan, earthquakes cause tsunamis.
How many earthquakes have japan had over the years?
Because the island of Japan lies in an area where several plates meet, it has experienced frequent earthquakes. Earthquakes are caused by the release of energy or seismic waves when these plates move. See the related links below for a list of earthquakes that have hit Japan in the past. The most recent earthquake and biggest to ever hit Japan occured March 11, 2011 and measured 8.9 on the Richter scale.
What countries are most severely and frequently affected by earthquakes?
Japan is frequently affected by earthquakes. Additionally, the United States has area affected by earthquakes.
What scale does Japan use to measure earthquakes?
Richter Scale
How can a certain area suffer more damage in earthquake?
A certain area might suffer more damage in earthquakes. It is because that area might be near the epicenter.
Where is the most liable place for earthquakes?
The most liable place for an earthquake is on a major fault line. Japan suffers strong earthquakes yearly. They suffer about 1500 a year.
What is the cause for earthquakes in Japan?
The Movement of Techtonic Plates causes the earthquakes in Japan.
Why in japan houses are made of wood?
Houses in Japan are made of wood as japan is prone to earthquakes and does experience constant earthquakes
Was Japan a major area for Earthquakes?
Yes, Japan is an earthquake-prone spot. Japan is more likely to have earthquakes than many other countries.
Which months do Japan have their earthquakes in?
There is no specific time frame that earthquakes occur in.
What was the epicentre of the recent big tsunami in Japan?
Tsunamis do not have epicentres. Earthquakes do. Sometimes, as in the case of Japan, earthquakes cause tsunamis.
Why does Japan get earthquakes and not London?
Japan is near to a fault line.
Why are earthquakes only in japan?
Earthquakes are not only in Japan - they happen all over the world. In the last two years there have been notable earthquakes in Japan, China, New Zealand and many other places around the world.
Why does Japan suck?
Because of Earthquakes.
Which country has the biggest earthquakes?
JAPAN
Where is the ring of fire in japan?
EARTHQUAKES
What country has early earthquakes?
Japan
