A Durham scientist is collaborating with an international team aboard the Chikyu drilling vessel to study the 2011 Tohoku earthquake through the JTRACK project. The team has successfully drilled into the Japan Trench, aiming to analyze fault lines and sediment samples to understand the unusual seismic activity better. The research is part of continuous efforts to comprehend the dynamics of significant earthquakes and enhance future preparedness.
An international research team, including a Durham scientist, is advancing investigations related to the significant 2011 Tohoku earthquake by drilling into the seabed off Japan’s east coast. This earthquake was among the largest globally, leading to a catastrophic tsunami and extensive damage, including a meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Currently, aboard the Chikyu deep-sea drilling vessel, the researchers aim to obtain insights on the fault mechanisms involved in this major event through their ongoing project known as JTRACK.
The 2011 Tohoku earthquake was monumental, recorded as one of the largest in modern history, culminating in a tsunami that severely impacted Japan and caused widespread infrastructure failure. The earthquake resulted in approximately 18,500 fatalities and displaced over 160,000 individuals. Previous research efforts, particularly the Japan Trench Fast Drilling Project (JFAST) initiated in 2013, had sought to uncover the causes behind this seismic event, specifically focusing on the Japan Trench plate. The current JTRACK project expands upon this foundation, seeking to explore the relationships between fault movement and seismic events more extensively.
In summary, the investigative efforts by the Durham team, as part of the JTRACK project, are set to provide valuable insights into the mechanisms behind the extraordinary displacement observed during the 2011 earthquake. By drilling into fault lines and analyzing sediment samples, the team aspires to deepen the understanding of seismic activities in subduction zones, which may have broader implications for earthquake prediction and preparedness.
Original Source: www.durham.ac.uk
