Durham Scientist Leads International Research on Tohoku Earthquake Causes

A Durham scientist is part of an international team aboard the Chikyu drilling ship examining the seismic forces behind the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. The project aims to collect data from fault lines at the event’s epicenter to better understand the unusual subduction zone behavior, significantly enhancing preparedness for future seismic activities.

A scientist from Durham University is part of an international research expedition on the deep-sea drilling vessel Chikyu, investigating the geological aspects of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. This seismic event, recognized as one of the most significant in contemporary history, generated a catastrophic tsunami that devastated parts of Japan and resulted in extensive infrastructure damage, including the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. The ongoing project, Tracking Tsunamigenic Slip Across the Japan Trench (JTRACK), commenced follow-up studies after initial sampling in 2013 by the Japan Trench Fast Drilling Project (JFAST).

The JTRACK initiative aims to conduct drilling operations through a boundary fault at the epicenter of the 2011 earthquake, allowing researchers to obtain vital samples and assess physical properties of geological formations. Currently, the research team has successfully penetrated the overriding continental plate and reached the subducting oceanic Pacific plate, where they are collecting deep-sea sediment samples and monitoring fault materials. This project addresses previous misconceptions about subduction zones, specifically regarding the behavior of fault lines beneath the surface during significant seismic events.

Scientists previously held the belief that shallow fault segments of subduction zones remained inert, but the Tohoku earthquake proved otherwise, demonstrating unprecedented fault displacement and movement reaching the sea floor. With enhanced sampling efforts, the JTRACK team aims to unravel the mechanisms that contributed to this extraordinary earthquake. Dr. Rebecca Robertson represents one of only three UK researchers among over 60 experts from various countries involved in this collaborative expedition.

This vital research not only seeks to deepen the scientific community’s understanding of unusual seismic behavior but also aims to improve safety and preparedness for future earthquakes in susceptible regions. The expertise brought together through this endeavor underlines the importance of international cooperation in advancing geological research and disaster prevention efforts.

The 2011 Tohoku earthquake, which struck off the east coast of Japan, was one of the largest earthquakes in modern history. It triggered a deadly tsunami that profoundly affected the Japanese coastline and caused severe damages, including the meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Previous scientific theories regarding subduction zones, the regions where tectonic plates meet, suggested that shallow fault lines did not exhibit significant movement. However, the Tohoku earthquake challenged these beliefs, prompting further investigations into the dynamics of such seismic events. The JTRACK project builds on previous research efforts to uncover the mechanisms behind this remarkable seismic activity and its implications for future earthquake preparedness.

In summary, the ongoing JTRACK expedition, involving a Durham scientist among an international team, seeks to unlock the mysteries of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake through deep-sea drilling. By analyzing geological samples and monitoring various properties of the fault zones, researchers aim to enhance the existing knowledge of subduction zone dynamics and improve strategies for mitigating the impact of future earthquakes. This collaborative effort underscores the significance of global participation in geological research.

Original Source: www.durham.ac.uk