A map of Japan that demonstrates seismic hazards reveals the regions of Fukishima as a fairly low risk area compared with the rest of the country, which lies on several tectonic plates. Although the entire country is in an earthquake risk zone, scientists expected the next high power earthquake to hit the areas southwest of Fukishima. Prior to the recent disaster, a government committee had initially concluded that there was a 99 percent chance of an earthquake greater than 7.5 hitting Japan within the next 30 years, and while foresight saved thousands, it did not prevent the recent massive destruction; no one expected a magnitude 9 quake. Most earthquakes are underestimated because of unknown faults, which leads to the question of how many earthquakes are actually caused by undiscovered faults. There is very little precedent to a situation like this one, and scientists are currently debating what the causes could be. While earthquakes that large would unleash massive destruction, the Japanese have prepared themselves with strict building codes and seawalls that are meant to hold back earthquake induced tsunamis. The recent earthquake was the largest ever recorded in Japan, and tied for fourth largest in the world since 1900. The largest earthquakes occur in subduction zones, places where an ocean plate collides with and slides under a continental plate, particularly around the edge of the Pacific Ocean.
This article is important because the situation in Japan affects us all and we must use the tragedy of this earthquake to prevent future earthquakes. The tsunami, earthquake, and nuclear crisis occurring at the moment could happen again with even greater consequences if we do not learn from this disaster.
This article was very well presented. It is very important for the current situation in Japan and for the future of the world. The picture of the tsunami provided a clear example of the extent of the damage. It is a complicated science that is difficult to predict. It is important to examine all the data so that a future disaster can be avoided.
Chang, Kenneth. "Blindsided by Ferocity Unleashed by a Fault." NY Times 21 Mar. 2011. 21 Mar. 2011. Web. 23 Mar. 2011.
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1 comment:
This review was thorough, direct, and explanatory. The review included several statistics concerning the recent tragedies in Japan, to more accurately illustrate the magnitude of the damage. The review was direct in its language-- almost to a fault, seeming to start and stop with little transition. However, the review was exceptionally explanatory in its presentation of facts, making them more coherent with order by relevance.
To improve the review I would have included a short introduction to illustrate the geographical locations of the two areas discussed. I also would have included more detail concerning the occupations of those cities. What do they produce? What will the effect on the economy be? Finally, I would've included details on how civilians are coping, and whether or not they should expect radiation illness or disease in the future.
I was impressed by the fact that scientists do not know the locations of threatening fault lines all over the world. This shows that though humans claim to be more advanced than other species, they are just as vulnerable to the Earth's workings as all other inhabitants.
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