MEDC Earthquake Case Study: Fukushima, Japan

2011

By Vicki and Ben

Background Information.

• The earthquake occurred on the 11th of March 2011.

• It measured 9.0 in the Richter scale.• It was the largest recorded earthquake ever to

hit Japan.• An estimated 15,500 people died.

Causes.• Fukushima lies on a destructive plate boundary.• The two plates that caused the earthquake are the

Pacific and Eurasian.• In Japan, pressure built up and on 11th March 2011 this

pressure was released as a very strong earthquake and a Tsunami with waves of 30 m high, travelling at speeds of 800 Kilometres per hour, which is the same as the ground speed of a jumbo jet.

The Tsunami

Consequences.

• 2 Million people’s homes were destroyed as a result of the Tsunami.

• A dam in the north of Fukushima burst its banks, which caused widespread damage

• Power lines, gas and water services were severely disrupted, as the earthquake ruptured under-ground cables and pipes.

• The Public telephone system was knocked out, with no signal for mobile phones and internet.