The 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake: Crustal Deformation and Fault Model

Mon, 2011-03-14 04:08 — admin

2011 off the pacific coast of Tohoku earthquake

 

A mega thrust earthquake with a moment magnitude 9.0 (JMA) occurred in Japan on March 11, 2011 (JST). The Geospacial Information Authority of Japan (GIS) constructed a fault model using coseismic surface displacement data observed by the GPS Earth Observation Network System (GEONET).

A preliminary fault model which consists of two rectangular faults with a uniform slip in an elastic half-space shows that

  • A total major rupture length reaches ~400 km with a fault width of ~80-90 km. (Northern segment: ~200 km long/ Sourthern segment: ~180 km long).
  • A fault upper edge is at a depth of 10 km.
  • A reverse fault motion is inferred. Slip amounts of northern segment and southern one are estimated to be ~28 m and ~6 m, respectively.
  • A total moment magnitude is 8.8. (Northern segment: Mw8.7 / Southern segment: Mw8.2)

    • For more information, visit: GSI Japan

    Nuclear Emergency at Fukushima Site Appears to be Coming Under Control

    Mon, 2011-03-14 03:20 — mdmcdonald
    Forums: 
    Fukushima Nuclear Powerplant

    Given the events of the past few days, it may be prudent to consider that new concerns may arise.  However, it appears that the Fukushima nuclear powerplant are beginning to come under control.  Reactors are still shutdown and emergency procedures are starting to come under control.  However, cooling procedures appear to be taking effect.

    Full assessments of radiation releases need to take place.  Local radiation exposures near the Fukushima nuclear powerplant have been noted.  Those directly affected are undergoing medical evaluations.

    MAPS

    The geospatial mapping dimension of scientific visualization is crucial to gaining situational awareness.  

     

    Below are initial map images following the March earthquake and tsunami in Japan that will provide initial views of the immediate situation. 

     

     

    post-event imagery from GeoEye available for Japan. 

    You can get the KML for Google Earth here:

     

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