Investigating the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake: Durham Scientist Joins International Team

An international team including Durham’s Dr. Rebecca Robertson is drilling into the Japan Trench to investigate the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. This project aims to analyze fault movements and seismic processes associated with the earthquake, which caused widespread destruction and loss of life in Japan.

A team of international researchers, including Durham University’s Dr. Rebecca Robertson, is conducting significant drilling operations in the Japan Trench off the east coast of Japan. This initiative seeks to unravel the mysteries surrounding the catastrophic Tohoku earthquake of 2011, which was followed by a devastating tsunami and extensive destruction, including the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. The team is engaged in the Tracking Tsunamigenic Slip Across the Japan Trench (JTRACK) project, aiming to understand the mechanics behind this unprecedented seismic event.

The 2011 Tohoku earthquake is noted as one of the most powerful seismic events in recorded history, resulting in waves that inundated regions up to six miles inland. The disaster claimed approximately 18,500 lives and displaced over 160,000 individuals. It also provoked a meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi power station. Previous studies at the Japan Trench focused on subsurface samples to uncover the earthquake’s underlying causes. The current JTRACK expedition builds upon these efforts by examining specific sliding faults related to the event.

In summary, the ongoing JTRACK project represents a crucial step in enhancing our understanding of the seismic activities in subduction zones, particularly regarding the Tohoku earthquake’s unique characteristics. Through their drilling endeavors, the researchers hope to shed light on the physical processes that lead to such extraordinary fault movements, potentially informing better prediction and preparedness strategies for future seismic events.

Original Source: www.durham.ac.uk