The recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan has caused a lot of devastation and damage to the country. I’m very sure everyone also knows that Japan is a country that is very prone to Earthquakes. They get it so often that when an earthquake comes, they find it no big deal and would just stay very calm. However, this makes me curious as to why Japan get earthquakes, no matter big or small every year. Is it because of where their position located at? Or is it because they are just unlucky?
Now back to my topic on tsunami, it is reported that “The large earthquake triggered a tsunami warning for countries all around the Pacific ocean.” It really puzzled me how and why an earthquake of such a dangerous magnitude can trigger a tsunami about 10m high. Did these two things just magically happen coincidentally? Or is it because of the impact the earthquake caused resulting in the tsunami? Then again, how are they related?
It is said on the internet that “The Japanese archipelago is located in an area where several continental and oceanic plates meet. This is the cause of frequent earthquakes and the presence of many volcanoes and hot springs across Japan. If earthquakes occur below or close to the ocean, they may trigger tidal waves (tsunami).”
Then this answers my question ^-^
Because of Japan’s location, they get earthquakes very easily. And because the earthquake occurred below or close to the ocean, it triggered a tsunami.
This picture shows how a tsunami is formed. As one plate slips below another, pressure builds after many years, resulting in a section suddenly giving way. After it gives way, it ruptures the ocean floor, resulting in a massive displacement of water. As the plate snaps back, a force pushes the water up. Oscillation develops underwater at great speed. Sea water is sucked from the shore and rushes back with force. Tsunamis are barely felt on the ocean surface. As the waves reaches the land, the tsunami becomes bigger as the water becomes shallower.
As I'm typing this down, another question struck my mind. Why is it that tsunamis are barely felt on the ocean floor? If the pressure that builds up after many years is what determines the impact of the tsunami, then how is more pressure formed? Is it by the number of years the pressure builds thus releasing a greater force?
^-^The End
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