Why does Tokyo have high vulnerability to earthquakes?
Aug 31, 2010
in
Earthquake Questions
I’m just wondering why Tokyo has this vulnerability to earthquakes? What makes them susceptible to them?
What factors could influence this vulnerability?
Thanks!
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4 comments
JR on August 31, 2010 at 12:00 am
Just below the surface of the earth around Tokyo lie huge sheets of rock called tectonic plates that are about 70 kilometers thick. These plates move a few centimeters (an inch or two) every year, producing distortions with the surface. When the distortions get large enough, forces try to correct them, causing the plates to move suddenly. Earthquakes are the results of the shaking that occurs then.
Earthquakes are most frequent where two or more plates meet. The reason Japan has so many earthquakes is because a number of these plates converge below the country’s surface.
http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/explore/nature/q2.html
:D on August 31, 2010 at 12:00 am
Plate tectonics.
zoomscooper81 on August 31, 2010 at 12:00 am
It is simple. Japan, is sitting between to tectonic plates. When tectonics shift and also depending when and how fast they shift, earthquakes will occur. The closer an object is to the fault line of these plates, the more drastic the earthquake will be. Tokyo just happens to be smack dab right in the middle of these plates unfortunately.
Boludo De boludis on August 31, 2010 at 12:00 am
Because Japan is located on the line between pacific tectonic plate and euroasian tectonic plate…
These two plates are continously "rubbing" each other, producing earthquakes…
Hope you like my answer
Matt