A Durham scientist is part of an international team drilling off Japan’s coast to study the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. The expedition, named JTRACK, investigates unique fault dynamics that resulted in significant seismic activity. It aims to enhance understanding of tectonic movements and improve preparedness for future earthquakes.
A scientist from Durham University is part of a global research initiative conducting drilling operations off the eastern coast of Japan to investigate the causes behind the monumental 2011 Tohoku earthquake. This earthquake was one of the most significant in contemporary history, resulting in a catastrophic tsunami and extensive infrastructure damage, including the meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The event led to the tragic loss of around 18,500 lives and the displacement of over 160,000 individuals.
The Tohoku earthquake prompted an extensive study through the Japan Trench Fast Drilling Project (JFAST) in 2013, which gathered samples from the Japan Trench plate. Currently, an expert team, including Durham Earth Sciences researcher Ms. Rebecca Robertson, is aboard the Chikyu deep-sea drilling vessel as part of the Tracking Tsunamigenic Slip Across the Japan Trench (JTRACK) project. Their mission focuses on drilling through the fault line at the site of the 2011 earthquake, allowing for sampling and physical property analysis along the drill hole.
Midway through their four-month expedition, the team has succeeded in drilling through the overriding continental plate and into the subducting Pacific plate. An observatory has been set up through the fault, and they are now collecting samples from both deep-sea sediments and fault material. High-resolution imaging of the fault zone is also being conducted for subsequent analysis, thereby contributing to a more profound understanding of earthquake processes.
Prior to the Tohoku event, researchers operated under the belief that the shallow sections of subduction zone faults remained unmoved in contrast to deeper segments. However, the 2011 earthquake defied these expectations by producing an unprecedented fault displacement that impacted the seabed. The JTRACK team aims to further investigate the slipping section of the fault in the hopes of revealing the mechanisms behind this extraordinary seismic occurrence.
Ms. Rebecca Robertson is one of only three UK representatives among the 60-plus international expedition team, collaborating with esteemed experts from Japan, the United States, and Europe. Their findings could significantly enhance the scientific community’s understanding of tectonic behavior in subduction zones, particularly regarding the remarkable phenomena observed during the Tohoku earthquake.
The 2011 Tohoku earthquake remains a pivotal event in seismology due to its unprecedented magnitude and the resulting tsunami, which caused widespread devastation in Japan. The disaster not only resulted in significant human loss and displacement but also prompted global research initiatives to understand the mechanisms behind such extraordinary seismic events. Previous assumptions regarding the behavior of subduction zones have been challenged, necessitating advanced research into fault mechanics and earthquake preparedness.
In conclusion, the ongoing JTRACK project aims to deepen scientific understanding of the Tohoku earthquake’s unique fault slip dynamics. With a dedicated international team, including prominent scientists from Durham University, rigorous drilling and analysis will provide critical insights into seismic activity and its implications for earthquake forecasting and safety measures in the region.
Original Source: www.durham.ac.uk
