A Durham scientist, Dr. Rebecca Robertson, is part of an international team aboard the Chikyu drilling ship investigating the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Their project, JTRACK, aims to analyze fault characteristics by drilling into the Japan Trench, deepening understanding of this unprecedented seismic event that caused significant loss and devastation.
A scientist from Durham University is participating in an international research initiative aimed at investigating the significant 2011 Tohoku earthquake through deep-sea drilling. This earthquake, one of the largest in contemporary history, generated a formidable tsunami and led to catastrophic destruction, including the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, resulting in over 18,500 fatalities and the displacement of more than 160,000 individuals.
Currently, the research team, which includes Durham Earth Sciences researcher Dr. Rebecca Robertson, is aboard the Chikyu drilling vessel, engaged in the Tracking Tsunamigenic Slip Across the Japan Trench (JTRACK) project. Their goal is to drill through a fault boundary linked to the earthquake to collect samples and analyze the physical characteristics of the geological layers beneath the seabed. They have successfully drilled through the continental plate and are operating in the subducting oceanic Pacific plate area.
By establishing an observatory in the fault and extracting samples of deep-sea sediments, the team aims to gain crucial insights into the mechanisms that contributed to the extraordinary displacement observed during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake. Unlike previous assumptions that the shallow portions of subduction zones remained stable, this earthquake demonstrated significant slip up to the ocean floor, posing critical questions about earthquake dynamics. Dr. Robertson is one of only three representatives from the United Kingdom in a diverse team comprised of experts from Japan, America, and Europe.
Through this ongoing expedition, the researchers hope to deepen their understanding of tectonic behaviors, which could enhance predictive models regarding future seismic events, especially in earthquake-prone regions. The project underscores the pivotal role of international collaboration in addressing complex geological phenomena.
The Tohoku earthquake of 2011 marked a watershed in earthquake understanding, revealing that fault mechanics defy previously held models that believed shallow areas of subduction zones were impenetrable during large quakes. The resulting tsunami and nuclear disaster had profound humanitarian and environmental impacts, highlighting the need for continued investigation into fault dynamics and their implications on coastal safety. The Japan Trench Fast Drilling Project previously gathered significant data, but the current JTRACK initiative aims to delve even deeper into the geophysical properties of one of the largest recorded seismic activities, developing a more nuanced understanding of these natural events.
The international JTRACK project represents a significant advancement in the study of tectonic activity related to the Tohoku earthquake. By investigating the fault mechanisms and geological properties along the Japan Trench, researchers seek to enhance earthquake prediction models and improve readiness for future seismic events. The collaboration among experts from multiple countries further illustrates the importance of global efforts in addressing complex geological challenges.
Original Source: www.durham.ac.uk
