Magnitude 8.9 Earthquake, Tsunami in Japan
March 11, 2011
A large earthquake with a magnitude of 8.9 occurred at 2:46 PM local time on Friday, March 11th off the coast of Japan. The earthquake also triggered a major tsunami which killed at least hundreds in Japan and resulted in damages around the Pacific Rim. Widespread damages have been reported. The situation is unfolding and it will be days, if not weeks, before more accurate estimates of casualties and damage are available. 
The earthquake was the result of thrust-fault activity on or near the subduction zone interface plate boundary between the Pacific and North America plates. The March 11 earthquake was preceded by a several large foreshocks over the previous two days, beginning March 9th with an M 7.2 event approximately 40 km from the March 11 earthquake, and continuing with a further 3 earthquakes greater than M 6 on the same day.This is largest measured earthquake to affect Japan since record keeping began. ...Read more
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