Japan tsunami

• Causes

  -eastern edge of Eurasian plate , plate is subducted by pacific plate =destructive plate boundary

  -high friction along boundary

  - energy released was 60million times the Hiroshima bomb

  - shallow depth (20miles below pacific ocean )
• primary effects social

  -16000 deaths

  -130000 people displaced

  - 300000 buildings destroyed

  - huge transport destruction
• Environment impact primary

  -landfall = coastal areas dropped 50

  -landmovement =2.4m closer to North America

  -liquefaction = Tokyo 1,000 damaged buildings
• Secondary social impacts

  -damage and pollution (6miles inland )

  -tsunami warnings only followed by 58%of people (48% of those who didn't were hit by tsunami)

  - 7 nuclear power reactors experienced meltdowns

  - rural areas isolated due to road destruction
• Secondary environmental impacts

  -due to landfall (coasts by 50cm ) the tsunami was able to move further inland )
• Secondary economic impact

  -most expensive natural disaster (£250bn)

  10% of japans stock market lost
• Immediate responses

  -warinings issued 3 mins after the earthquake

  -scientists predicted where tsunami would hit ,response teams sent to correct areas

  - 10,000 rescue workers in hours

  -sniffer dogs

  -American army aid
• Long term responses

  -one month = government established reconstruction policy counsil to develop national recovery +reconstructive outlook

  -tsunami resilient community

  -coastal protection policy (sea walls and breakwaters )

  • 6 days after event the motorway was repaired
• Why do people live in the area

  - lived all their lives

  - fertile land and rich fishing

  - good services and schools