Durham Scientist Engages in International Study of 2011 Tohoku Earthquake

A Durham scientist is part of a global research team aboard the Chikyu drilling vessel, investigating the 2011 Tohoku earthquake off Japan’s coast. The project aims to understand the unprecedented fault displacements that occurred during this seismic event. Researchers are drilling through tectonic plates and collecting samples to analyze the unique characteristics of this earthquake, which resulted in significant loss of life and a catastrophic tsunami.

A scientist from Durham University is participating in an international research expedition aboard the Chikyu drilling vessel, investigating the profound impacts of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake off Japan’s east coast. This earthquake was one of the most significant in modern history, triggering a catastrophic tsunami that devastated the region, resulting in significant infrastructure damage and the catastrophic meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The earthquake alone led to the tragic loss of approximately 18,500 lives and displaced over 160,000 individuals.

The ongoing investigation forms part of the Tracking Tsunamigenic Slip Across the Japan Trench (JTRACK) project, succeeding the initial Japan Trench Fast Drilling Project (JFAST), which commenced in 2013. The team, which includes Durham’s Earth Sciences researcher Rebecca Robertson, aims to comprehend the mechanics behind the earthquake. Currently, they have successfully drilled through the overriding continental plate and accessed the subducting Pacific plate, marking significant progress in their expedition, which is set to last four months.

The researchers are collecting deep-sea sediment samples and analyzing high-resolution images of the fault zone. Previously, it was understood that subduction zones, where tectonic plates converge, did not experience breaking at shallow depths. However, the 2011 event contradicted this belief by producing unprecedented fault displacement that reached the seafloor. By examining the section of the fault involved in this extraordinary slip, the JTRACK team aims to expand their understanding of the underlying processes that led to such an unusual earthquake.

Rebecca Robertson stands as one of only three researchers from the United Kingdom among over sixty participants from Japan, America, and Europe in this collaborative effort. Their work holds the potential to significantly contribute to the understanding of seismic activity and inform future disaster preparedness strategies.

The 2011 Tohoku earthquake was a transformative event in seismology and disaster management, being one of the largest earthquakes recorded, which not only caused massive destruction but also highlighted the vulnerabilities of existing infrastructure to seismic events. The subsequent tsunami and nuclear disaster raised global awareness about natural hazards, leading to intensified international collaboration in scientific research. The Japan Trench, where this earthquake occurred, represents a key area for studying the interactions of tectonic plates in subduction zones, which are critical to understanding earthquake mechanics and tsunami genesis. Projects like JFAST and JTRACK facilitate vital fieldwork that contributes to this understanding by analyzing geological samples and patterns in fault behavior.

In summary, the research conducted by the Durham scientist and the international team aboard the Chikyu vessel is crucial for advancing scientific understanding of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Their findings may provide new insights into the mechanics of subduction zone earthquakes and contribute valuable knowledge for earthquake preparedness and risk reduction. The collaboration of global experts demonstrates the importance of collective efforts in tackling complex geological phenomena that impact millions of lives.

Original Source: www.durham.ac.uk