Japan Earthquakes' Effect on Japan's Environemnt - Research Paper Example

Japan Earthquakes Effect on Japan's Environment Introduction Overview of earthquakes in Japan Many regions of Japan have experienced serious earthquakes and tidal waves. The worst earthquake in Japan’s history is the Great Kanto Earthquake, which struck Kanto Plain near Tokyo in 1923. In this earthquake, over 100, 000 people lost their lives. In 1995, the city of Kobe and its environs was struck by a strong earthquake, which was named the Great Hanshin earthquake. This earthquake caused 6,000 deaths and left over 400,000 people with severe injuries. In 2011, Japan recorded the strongest earthquake in the recent past, which later triggered a devastating tsunami along the northern pacific coast. This earthquake, named the Great East Japan earthquake, caused massive losses in Japan. The 9.0 earthquake caused a 124 foot tsunami wave, deaths of close to 20’000 people, and massive destruction of homes. Apart from these losses, the earthquake caused the nuclear accident that occurred in Fukushima Prefecture (Lusted 4). The fact that Japan is an earthquake prone country makes it prepare for such happenings. In 2011 earthquake, tsunami early warning signs enabled Japan to take the necessary precautionary measures that helped in saving hundreds of thousands of lives. Unfortunately, the 2011 earthquake struck with massive waves that were of bigger magnitude than it was previously predicted. This was the reason why many people lost their lives, massive property destruction, and severe damage on the environment. The massive losses of lives that are evident in different earthquakes that have struck Japan are mainly due to subsequent effects that follow an earthquake. Majority of these effects are environmental in nature, and their impacts may last for a prolonged period of time (Lusted 11). What is an earthquake? An earthquake refers to a sudden movement of the earth due to an abrupt release of energy that has piled up over a prolonged period. Numerous studies support that a majority of earthquakes occur along boundaries where plates making the earth’s outer layer meet. Scientists use the knowledge of locations where earthquakes take place and the nature of ruptures they produce to describe the plates boundaries. It is worth noting that a majority of destructive earthquakes are as a result of dislocation of the earth’s crust. In such situations, the crust exacts its effects by bending and then breaks and snaps to a new position when the prevailing stress exceeds the pressure exerted by rocks (Alexander 47). The earth has three types of plate boundaries. The first boundaries are the spreading zones. In these zones, molten rock material rises up; this leads to the separation of two plates and addition of material along their edges. Spreading zones are most common in oceans. The second types of boundaries are the transform faults, which occur where plates move past each other. Earthquakes that occur along these plates happen at shallow depths, leading to visible straight linear patterns. The third types of plates are the subduction zones, which occur in earth’s regions where one plate subducts another plate. This phenomenon pushes the subducted plate downwards into the mantle causing it to melt. Subduction zones form shallow or deep earthquakes, deep ocean trenches, and mountain ranges that have volcanic activities (Alexander 55). Geologists have evidence that supports the idea that earthquakes occur frequently along faults. These regions of the earth show areas of weakness along the earth’s crust. Once an earthquake has occurred along a fault zone, it is unlikely that all stress is relieved from the earth crust. This situation creates a chance for another earthquake to occur in the future. In some cases, earthquakes are likely to strike before, during or after a volcanic activity. In this case, earthquakes are not linked to the occurrence of the volcanic eruptions, but the force associated with the volcanic eruption causes the earthquakes to happen (Oxlade 35). Seismographs are the instruments used in detecting, recording, and measuring vibrations released by earthquakes. These instruments generate seismographs, which are the lines that reflect the changing intensity of vibrations produced by earthquakes. Data generated by seismographs can help geologists to determine the epicenter, amount of energy, time, focal depth, and the faulting caused by the earthquake. Magnitudes of earthquakes are best measured using the Richter scale. Earthquakes with magnitudes of 2 are smallest and are normally felt by people. Those with magnitudes of 6 and above are classified as major quakes while those with magnitudes of 8 and above are great quakes (Oxlade 39). Initial impacts associated with earthquakes include violent earth motions, which cause fractures, cracks, liquefaction, and increased surface consistency. Apart from these initial negative impacts, earthquakes also produce secondary impacts such as fires, contaminations, floods, tsunamis, and landslides (Smith & Petley 167). Detailed impacts of earthquakes Tsunamis Tsunamis refer to a series of massive waves observed in oceans or other large bodies of water. Tsunamis occur as a result of rapid displacement of large amounts of water. In most cases, tsunamis are as a result of underwater disturbances, which may be caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruption, landslides or impacts from meteorites. These factors cause the water waves to travel extremely fast with speeds of up to 600mph. Tsunamis travelling in deep water creates waves that can only reach heights of one or two feet. Waves usually reduce their speed when they are approaching shallow water. This behavior causes water to collect into extremely high waves that reach up to 34 feet. Prediction of an approaching tsunami is best done through the observation of rapid changes on the water level (Joseph 11). Tsunamis can occur in all of the world’s inland seas, oceans, and other large water bodies. However, majority of tsunamis have been reported on the Pacific Ocean due to its vast coverage. In 2004, Asian countries suffered massive losses from tsunamis that stuck the Pacific Ocean. Japan experienced its recent tsunami in 2011 after the Great East Japan Earthquake struck the Pacific Ocean on the northeastern region of Japan. Tsunamis cause devastating destructions on the natural environment. In water bodies affected by tsunamis, there is massive damage on coral reefs and mangroves, which are essential for bleeding and feeding of fish. Massive erosion of the coastlines can also occur as a result of tsunamis (Lusted 7). Tsunamis that travel at high speeds end up causing massive environmental destructions in areas that are far away from the affected water body. Effects of such tsunamis on the environment include massive soil erosion, uprooting vegetative cover, soil leaching, and infiltration debris, nutrients and other substances into the water (Bone 2). The worst environmental impact of tsunamis is perhaps the loss of life both for animals and humans. Majority of the dead bodies go undiscovered, and when they decompose, they cause air pollution, attract flies as well as other disease transmitters. In addition, decomposed bodies introduce pathogens into the environment by contaminating the surrounding soils and water bodies. Such contaminations are likely to cause disease outbreaks in areas affected by tsunamis. In such areas, it becomes difficult to handle the outbreaks since medical infrastructures are already destroyed (Bone 3). Tsunamis cause massive deposit of debris into the environment. These deposits are of different origins and composition. Therefore, handling and disposition such material becomes a priority once the tsunami is over. Debris that cannot be recycled need to be disposed on designated dump sites on the environment. If such debris is made of toxic substances such as asbestos, radioactive material, oil, and other harmful chemicals, the environment becomes contaminated with hazardous substances. Tsunamis also cause serious damages on sewer lines, which drain hazardous wastes such as those from hospitals and industries. Such hazardous wastes end up contaminating the environment, which may lead to serious medical conditions (Tiampo et al. 73). Loss of sea life leads to an imbalance within the ecosystem. Reduction in coral reefs and mangroves implies that fish and other sea animals that depend on the two for food will reduce in number. In addition, coral reefs and mangroves act as potential barriers of less severe tsunamis. Therefore, their massive loss increases the ocean’s vulnerability to tsunamis in future. The 2011 tsunami that struck Japan caused serious damage on a nuclear plant located at Fukushima. Infiltration of nuclear radiations into the ground has long-lived effects. Majority of nuclear plants are along the shorelines, small islands or harbors, which increases their vulnerability to tsunamis. One vital thing to note is that tsunamis can carry the nuclear materials to distant regions that are far from the nuclear plant (Tiampo et al. 75). It is estimated that about 5 million tons of debris were carried into ocean following the 2011tsunami that struck Japan. This debris poses a significant threat to the marine ecosystem. In addition, debris wiped by ocean currents may find its way into foreign shores, which has an impact both on human life and the environment. Since the 2011 tsunami in Japan, numerous fishing vessels have been spotted on the neighboring shores. The environmental threats posed by such vessels include oil spills, which are a threat to marine life. Tsunamis have long lived environmental impacts whose magnitude is difficult to quantify (Tiampo et al 75). Landslides These occur mostly in mountainous affected by earthquakes due to ground shaking movements. Increased urban development in mountainous regions of Japan increases the risk of landslides after earthquakes have struck. Japan is considered as high risk zone for landslides due to the lack of sufficient flat ground and increased population density. The Hyogoken-Nambu earthquake that struck Japan in 1994 failed to cause many landslides due to persistent drought that had affected Japan before the earthquake. Increased urbanization magnified the risks associated with landslides. Landslides that have occurred in Japan in the recent past have caused significant damage to the environment. The main environmental damage arising from landslides is the massive relocation of soils from one region to another (Smith & Petley 177). In 2003, the northern region of Japan was affected by the Sanriku-Minami earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.0. This earthquake triggered a landslide on Tsukidate region, which lies on the northwestern region of Sendai city. The most significant effect of this landslide was the massive relocation of land from a gentle slope to a far distance away from the initial point. In the case of the landslide, which followed the Sanriku-Minami earthquake, the vegetation cover, which was made of bamboo plantation, remained standing vertically on the landslide mass that was deposited on rice paddy (Ozerdem & Jacoby 34). During landslides, there is an increased chance that landslide mass will be deposited on existing vegetation, built environment, water bodies or even people and humans. Therefore, regardless of where the mass is deposited, significant damage will be observed. On the other hand, regions where the landslide mass is drawn are left with severe soil erosions that are difficult to reclaim (Smith & Petley 183). Ground motions These are among the primary agents, which cause massive damage on the environment. These motions are caused by the seismic waves that originate from the earth’s epicenter. Factors that determine the intensity of the round motion include prevailing geologic conditions, and distance from the epicenter. Ground motions are responsible for the demolition of built structures, vegetation, land breakages, and destruction of any structures standing on the ground. Occurrence of these damages leaves the environment changed altogether and hard to reconstruct. Large land breakages caused by ground motions form new channels through which existing rivers direct their water. Changes in the direction of river flow have the effect of causing floods in regions that are not rehabilitated to hold river flows (Alexander 87). Just like in the case of tsunamis, pollution is likely to occur in areas affected by ground motions. A clear example is when sewerage systems are damaged by the ground motions leading to leakage of toxic waste products. Ground motions that lead to volcanic emissions cause massive air pollution, which is a threat to the climate. In such cases, acid rainfalls are likely to form in areas affected by volcanic emissions. Subsequent damages associated with acid rains include corrosion of buildings and vegetation cover. In addition, acid rains change the pH value of water in water bodies when in excess. Therefore, marine life will be affected due to changes in water pH (Tiampo et al. 68). Damage by fire Earthquakes cause severe damage on power lines, petroleum lines, and gas lines among other channels that transport substances that can cause fire. Most earthquakes are accompanied by fire, which causes extensive damage on ground cover, structures, wildlife, and severe air pollution. Fires are difficult to put off because most of the infrastructure in the affected areas are damaged, making it difficult for fire extinguishers to access the area. Gaseous byproducts that are emitted can be damaging to the environment due to their diverse composition. As mentioned earlier, combustion gases lead to the formation of acidic rains that are corrosive to vegetation and existing structures (Scawthorn 289). Changes in ground level Earthquakes have the potential to cause both uplifts and subsidence. In such occurrences, some regions of the land surface are uplifted while others are subsided. The subsided regions are highly likely to be affected by floods emanating from the high regions. Effects of floods include massive soil erosion, soil leaching, and creation on bleeding zones for serious disease vectors as well as increased water pollution due to poor drainage. Earthquakes are also responsible for the destruction of manmade dams, leading to massive flooding (Smith & Petley 171). Liquefaction Other than landslides, regions of Japan have experienced cases of liquefaction following incidences of earthquakes. Liquefaction mostly affects areas saturated with water that has unconsolidated sediments. Ground motions caused by seismic waves make such grounds to gain motion similar to that observed in landslides, but in liquefaction, the ground is highly saturated with water and loose sediments. The main environmental impact of liquefaction is massive soil erosion and increased deposition of debris in water bodies (Smith & Petley 175). Aftershocks These are perhaps the most damaging agents during earthquakes. Aftershocks are small quakes, which follow the main earthquake. Their damages are similar to those ground motions, but they are more dangerous since they cause further damage on areas that had already been struck by the ground motions (Oxlade 63). Countering the effects of earthquakes From the events of the recent earthquake that affected Japan, it is evident that Japan has taken the necessary measures to reduce the impacts of earthquakes. Japan is located in a region that is known for its high activity of seismic waves and volcanic activity. This fact makes Japan remain vigilant in monitoring seismic activities throughout the country. Findings obtained from the monitoring process help Japan authorities in warning people living in areas that are about to be hit by earthquakes to take any precautionary measures to avoid losing their lives (Ozerdem & Jacoby 41). Japan government has an earthquake surveillance network that is made of close to 200 seismographs and about 600 seismic intensity meters. Apart from this surveillance network, Japan authorities also gather data from over 3’600 seismic intensity meters that are run by local authorities and National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention. Data obtained is then taken to the Earthquake Phenomena Observation System for real-time analysis. In cases where an earthquake is detected, information related to its seismic intensity, magnitude, and hypocenter is passed on to the public. Information related to earthquakes with seismic intensities of 3 are over being passed on within 2 minutes (Ozerdem & Jacoby 44). Earthquake Early Warning systems offer essential information regarding seismic intensity and the expected arrival time of the predicted earthquake. The main objective in using earthquake warning systems is to reduce the damage that may arise from earthquakes. Some of precautions undertaken once an earthquake is detected include reducing speed of trains, offering protection for people in buildings and near cliffs as well as controlling the movement of elevators (Zschau & Andreas 113). As discussed earlier, tsunamis usually follow earthquakes. Therefore, it is essential to do close monitoring on potential tsunamis in order to provide early warnings to people living along coastlines. After an earthquake has occurred, Japanese authorities usually do a thorough monitoring on seismic waves to see whether a tsunami is likely to occur. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center located in Hawaii also helps in the monitoring of seismic waves to give early warnings on potential tsunamis (Joseph 13). It is worth mentioning that, despite having surveillance tools to monitor earthquakes, it is still difficult to have control over natural calamities such as earthquakes. In the 2011 earthquake that struck Japan, authorities had warned people about the occurrence of the earthquake, but still lives were lost, the environment was damaged, and massive losses were encountered in existing structures. However, massive losses can be prevented through sound strategies bearing in mind that earthquakes are natural calamities that are unavoidable (Villaverde 451). Strategies that can help in reducing massive losses include replacing vulnerable buildings, constructing buildings and other infrastructures that can withstand earthquakes, and minimizing on threats that can cause fire after an earthquake. Most deaths that occur during earthquakes are as a result of collapsed buildings. The use of modern building codes is essential in reducing such fatalities. It is also wise to avoid settling along coastlines and areas that are prone to landslides. In Japan, despite the increased urbanization, people are discouraged from settling in mountainous regions that are likely to suffer from landslides (Villaverde 453). Increased training of rescue personnel, increased relief services, and medical supplies can serve a fantastic deal in saving lives. In Japan, the Red Cross society is aware of the essence ample preparedness in saving lives. The American Red Cross society is currently offering significant support to Japan and other Asian countries to enhance the preparedness, improve their skills and systems used in the identification of early warning signs, and develop evacuation skills that are necessary during earthquakes (Ozerdem & Jacoby 50). Less can be done in protecting the ecosystem from effects of earthquakes. However, massive environmental pollution can be mitigated through the construction of strong sewer lines, and pipelines for transporting petroleum products. Industries that deal with harmful radioactive substances should not be constructed in areas that are highly susceptible to earthquakes. In addition, proper measures must be undertaken when disposing waste products collected in areas affected by earthquakes. This is because such waste materials may be contaminated with toxic substances that have the potential of intoxicating soils and water tables (Smith & Petley 200). Preventing earthquakes by shocking the ground Earthquakes occur in a sequence, which implies that there are initial shocks prior to the main shock. The foreshocks are of lesser magnitude compared to the aftershocks. The principle behind the shocking the ground to prevent the occurrence of earthquakes is based on the fact earthquakes can cause other earthquakes to happen. Therefore, the fact that shocks from existing earthquakes can induce new shocks suggests manmade shocks can also cause earthquakes. This assumption is the principle behind the use of shock to release elastic energy from the ground. The device, which shocks the ground, performs its function by applying massive weight on the ground in order to release the elastic energy and stress buildup trapped in the ground (Villaverde 504). Shocking the ground comes with two benefits, which are the ability to slow down an earthquake, which allows people vacate. The second benefit relates to the ability to reduce elastic energy, which limits the magnitude of an earthquake (Villaverde 506). Conclusion Earthquakes cause devastating damages to the environment and to people living in areas affected by earthquakes. Japan has encountered numerous earthquake disasters due to its geographic location in a region known to have high seismic activities. This fact has made Japan to invest heavily on surveillance networks that are essential in detecting earthquakes in advance. This move has enabled Japan to minimize damages arising from earthquakes. However, the biggest challenge is that earthquakes are natural calamities, which are difficult to control or prevent. Works Cited Alexander, David. Natural Disasters. New York: Taylor & Francis Group, 2000. Print. Bone, Emily. Earthquakes and Tsunamis. New York: EDC Publishing, 2012. Print. Charles Scawthorn, John Eidinger & Anshel, Schiff. Fire Following Earthquake. Chicago: ASCE Publications, 2005. Print. Joseph, Antony. Tsunamis: Detection, Monitoring, and Early-Warning Technologies. London: Academic Press, 2011. Print. Smith, Keith & Petley, David. Environmental Hazards: Assessing Risk and Reducing Disaster. New York: Taylor & Francis, 2009. Print. Tiampo Kristy, Dion Weatherley & Stuart, Weinstein. Earthquakes: Simulations, Sources and Tsunamis. London: Springer, 2008. Print. Lusted, Marcia. 2011 Japan Disasters. Tokyo: ABDO, 2011. Print. Oxlade, Chris. Earthquakes & Volcanoes. Mankato: Black Rabbit Books, 2004. Print. Ozerdem, Alpaslan & Jacoby, Tim. Disaster Management and Civil Society. New York: I.B.Tauris, 2005. Print. Villaverde, Roberto. Fundamental Concepts of Earthquake Engineering. Boca Raton: CRC PressINC, 2009. Print. Zschau, Jochen & Andreas, Nilson. Early Warning Systems for Natural Disaster Reduction. London: Springer, 2003. Print. Read More