The powerful impact of mega-thrust earthquakes on Earth is undeniable. These earthquakes occur where tectonic plates meet, when one plate is pushed under another. This has happened in the Pacific and Indian oceans, where tension builds up over centuries until it explodes, creating an earthquake with a magnitude of over 9, more powerful than any other earthquake on record.
When the seafloor suddenly pushes up, a series of giant tsunamis are created, which can travel across the ocean and devastate coastlines thousands of miles away.
In Japan, the Nankai Trench is a hotspot where the tectonic plate under the Philippine Sea is sliding under the mainland plate, causing major earthquakes in the past, such as in 1944 and 1946. The risk of another major earthquake in the area in the next few decades is estimated to be as high as 80%.
Similarly, the Cascadia region on the West Coast of the United States, stretching from Northern California to Vancouver Island, is also a worrying area. Scientists believe that tectonic plates there are stuck together, accumulating enormous pressure.
A major earthquake can cause shaking that lasts for five minutes, followed by a powerful tsunami that lasts for 10 hours, severely damaging hundreds of thousands of buildings and causing major infrastructure damage.
History also records terrible earthquakes, such as the 1964 Alaska earthquake with a magnitude of 9.2. It lasted for more than four minutes, permanently changing the terrain of the area and causing a tsunami that destroyed coastal villages.
Japan, a country located at the intersection of four tectonic plates, is the most frequent place where earthquakes occur. Thanks to strict building laws, buildings here are designed to withstand high-intensity earthquakes, and even skyscrapers have advanced shock-absorbing technology to minimize damage.
The Tokyo Sky Tree, one of the world’s tallest towers, is a prime example of how modern design can be combined with traditional earthquake-proofing technology.
We can’t prevent earthquakes, but careful preparation can minimize damage and save lives.
