Dozens of Earthquakes Strike Japan After Tsunami Warning Canceled
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of Japan's Iwate Prefecture at 5:03 p.m. Over the past 24 hours, at least 25 earthquakes have been recorded off Japan’s coast, with several exceeding magnitude 6.0.
The strongest quake in this series, a 6.8 magnitude, triggered a tsunami warning that lasted several hours before being canceled, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
Seismic Activity Details
- Earthquakes ranged in strength from magnitude 4.5 to over 6.0.
- Many quakes exceeded magnitude 5.0, capable of causing damage and potential loss of life.
- The cluster was centered about 75 miles off Iwate Prefecture, with one quake occurring near Hokkaido Prefecture.
Japan's Tectonic Setting
Japan lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," where the Pacific Plate interacts with other major plates such as the Philippine Sea Plate and Eurasian Plate, generating approximately 1,500 earthquakes annually. This accounts for about 18% of global seismic activity, making Japan one of the most earthquake-prone countries in the world.
Impact of Major Earthquakes in Japan
Powerful earthquakes in Japan can cause deadly tsunamis and widespread destruction. The devastating 9.0 magnitude earthquake in 2011 led to massive loss of life and a nuclear disaster in Fukushima.
Japan's "complex coastline is vulnerable to tsunamis," according to Tokyo's foreign ministry.
Recent Earthquake Characteristics
The strong earthquake measured initially at magnitude 6.9, occurring at a depth of approximately 12 miles off the coast of Iwate Prefecture at 5:03 p.m.
Author's summary: Japan experienced a series of strong earthquakes off its northeastern coast, highlighting its vulnerability due to its position on an active tectonic boundary within the Pacific "Ring of Fire."