SUMMARY
The Mw7.0 earthquake that struck NE Honshu, Japan, occurred on March 20, 2021, at 09:09:45 UTC, with a depth of 54.0 km, located approximately 27 km ENE of Ishinomaki. This earthquake is notable for being closer to the coast and deeper than the M9.1 Great Tohoku Earthquake of March 11, 2011. The coordinates for the recent quake are 38.475°N and 141.607°E, contrasting with the 2011 event's coordinates of 38.297°N and 142.373°E, which had a depth of 29.0 km.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of seismic magnitude scales, specifically Mw (Moment Magnitude).
- Familiarity with earthquake depth measurement and its significance.
- Knowledge of the geographical context of Honshu, Japan, and its seismic history.
- Awareness of the USGS earthquake reporting system and its data presentation.
NEXT STEPS
- Research the geological factors contributing to seismic activity in the Tohoku region of Japan.
- Study the differences between shallow and deep earthquakes and their implications.
- Examine historical earthquake data from the USGS for patterns and trends in the region.
- Learn about earthquake preparedness and response strategies in coastal areas.
USEFUL FOR
Seismologists, geologists, disaster response planners, and anyone interested in understanding seismic events and their impacts on coastal communities.
