JAPAN’S EARTHQUAKE

Context

Recently Japan has witnessed a series of major earthquakes and issued its highest-level tsunami alert.

About Tsunamis

Aspect	Description
What is a Tsunami?	It is a sequence of major ocean waves which result from underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. The word is derived from the Japanese term meaning "harbor wave."
Formation of Tsunami	Earthquakes create large shockwaves and cause the seabed to shift. Underwater volcanic eruptions forcefully displace water, leading to tsunamis.
Characteristics of Tsunami Waves	Tsunami waves are very high but their speed decreases upon reaching shallower areas.
Factors of Tsunami Formation	Tsunamis form based on factors such as the ocean floor's shape and the distance and direction of earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

Why is Japan prone to earthquakes and tsunamis?

1. Japan faces frequent earthquakes and tsunamis because it's located on the highly active 'Pacific Ring of Fire.'
2. This region sees constant interaction among the Pacific, Eurasian, and Indo-Australian Plates, resulting in regular earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and tsunamis.

No Tsunami Threat to India

1. The Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) in Hyderabad confirmed that there is no danger of a tsunami for India
2. The Pacific Ocean Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a warning about a potential tsunami specifically for Japan.

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