8.9 Magnitude Earthquake in Japan

[Buntzen]

The Ring of Fire in the Pacific is certainly living up to its billing : ;http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/quakes_all.php

Puerto Rico has been experiencing a series of cluster earthquakes, not to mention the ongoing number and magnitude of other temblers in the area.

In 1896 an earthquake followed by a tsunami with a 100 ft wave ht occurred in the Japan trench. Why would you build nuclear plants on an island abutting an area known for seismic activity?

[kas]

Yeah exactly!  that's what we've been asking!?

[Buntzen]

Another 7.1 'aftershock' just off the coast with the attendant tsunami warning occurred this a.m..   At this point I do believe I'd be looking to get a new stamp on my passport if I could.

[Judy]

Those poor people...and how the children must feel every time there is an aftershock.

[I_love_henley67]

Another 7.1 'aftershock' just off the coast with the attendant tsunami warning occurred this a.m..   At this point I do believe I'd be looking to get a new stamp on my passport if I could.

I read about that today, it is so horrible, there was even another tsunami warning

[Buntzen]

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/04/09/japan.nuclear.reactors/index.html?hpt=C1

Short clip released today of the 48 ft tsunami generated wave that crippled the Fukushima power plant. 

[Buntzen]

Another 6.6 earthquake (not an aftershock) hits Japan causing mudslides, further destruction and loss of life;  resultant loss of power shuts down the pumps used to cool the reactors, fire hoses will once again be employed.     Details and video here:  http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/04/11/japan.quake/?hpt=T1

[Buntzen]

Great shot from MSNBC; a reflection of an indomitable spirit as "Residents take an outdoor bath amid tsunami devastation in Kesennuma city, Miyagi prefecture, Japan, on April 14": 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42595922/ns/news/displaymode/1247/?beginSlide=13#

[Buntzen]

I read an interesting article on MSNBC which speculated that the recent earthquakes in the ring of fire were connected to the 2004 Taiwan massive earthquake.   Although this was a speculative piece, I think it has some merit.  

[Buntzen]

From MSNBC News

A remarkable display of decency and respect in the Japanese recovery efforts as the beleaguered nation continues to be rocked by large aftershocks:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42728367/ns/world_news-asiapacific

[Buntzen]

Another 6.3 mag earthquake hit Japan today.  I was curious to know the destructive difference in tenths of magnitude (i.e. 6.3 v 6.9).

Interesting chart outlines the approximate energy equivalents in terms of TNT explosive force:  (toward bottom of page)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richter_magnitude_scale

[Buntzen]

Another 6.7 quake shook Japan today and is Japan’s 14th quake above magnitude 6.5 since March 11, there have been 1,341 in total, according to www.japanquakemap.com.  Additionally, many coastal cities in the disaster zone now already flood during high tide because the March 11 earthquake caused the shoreline to drop.

Above was paraphrased from this site:  http://blogs.wsj.com/japanrealtime/2011/06/23/tsunami-jitters-pierce-calm-after-6-7-quake/

I wasn't aware the shoreline had dropped to that extent, it would certainly further impact habitable land mass.  Unbelievable.

[kas]

Poor New Zealand is also having a bad time of it, Now air traffic is reduced due to the ash from Chille  Volcano as well. our states have been grounded but we are not in recovery mode like NZ.

[Buntzen]

I read about this, National Geo has some stunning shots:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/06/pictures/110606-chile-volcano-lightning-science-ash-eruption/#/lightning-volcano-puyehue-volcanic-eruption-chile-lava-glow_36298_600x450.jpg

Y'all are having a rough go of it, take care.

[kas]

Great picture...it's amazing how something so far can affect us down under