Satellite Imagery of Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Aftermath

Japan was struck by what is now known as a magnitude-9 level earthquake, which took place on March 11, 2011, at 2:46 p.m. local time (05:46 UTC) off the east coast of Japan. The epicenter was 130 kilometers (80 miles) east of Sendai, and 373 kilometers (231 miles) northeast of Tokyo, and has been labeled the fourth largest in the world since 1900.

The below image shows the epicentre of the quake, as well as foreshocks (dotted circles) and aftershocks (solid circles).

That close to the east coast of Japan, a tsunami was sadly inevitable, and as can be seen in the images below, the devastation has been immense. The first image was taken on August 8 of 2008, and the second taken on March 14, 2011, three days after the massive earthquake.

Source: NASA Earth Observatory Image of the Day 1 & 2

2 thoughts on “Satellite Imagery of Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Aftermath”

  1. The prediction of earthquake is highly a difficult one for a geologist/seismologist. However based on the geological studies the concentration of major earth quakes we can fairly tell the trouble zones and take remedial measures.Even after knowing fully well about the major faulted east coast of japan trending in a curvelinear pattern from NNE-SSW direction and its change to ENE direction …which are probable epicentral points, Japan should not plan for nuclear stations at vulnerable locations.
    The precautions taken by japan govt was really appreciable one and hats of to the people of Japan for their PATRIOTISM. The preventive structures were not sufficient to control the energy generated by an earthquake of 8.9M. Still we have to learn many things from nature as well from experience in giving preventive measures. Being a geologist i am very happy to work with my japanese counterparts.

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