Daily News Analysis

Series of earthquakes strikes Japan, tsunami warning issued

stylish_lining

context: The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning along coastal regions of Ishikawa, Niigata and Toyama prefectures.

The Japan Meterological Agency reported quakes off the coast of Ishikawa and nearby prefectures one of them with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6.

Earthquakes

An earthquake is the shaking of the earth, a natural occurrence caused by the release of energy that produces waves spreading in all directions. Seismic waves, known as vibrations, are created during earthquakes and traverse through the Earth, being detected by instruments named seismographs. The starting point below the Earth's surface where the earthquake originates is termed the hypocenter, while the corresponding spot directly above it on the Earth's surface is identified as the epicenter.

Causes:

  • Earthquakes result from the tectonic movements of the Earth, where energy is released, generating waves that propagate in all directions.
  • The release of energy occurs at a specific point known as the focus or hypocentre, typically situated around 60 km below the Earth's surface.
  • This release causes energy waves to radiate outward. The focus, or hypocentre, is the precise point of energy release.
  • On the Earth's surface directly above the focus, the epicentre is located, serving as the initial location to encounter the seismic waves.

Tsunami:

Tsunamis, characterized by exceptionally long waves, result from significant and sudden shifts in the ocean caused by events such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. Also known as seismic sea waves, tsunamis stand as formidable and devastating natural phenomena.

Causes:

Tsunamis result from the vertical movement of the seafloor, primarily triggered by various natural events. While earthquakes are the most common cause, other factors include volcanic eruptions, underwater explosions, landslides, and meteorite impacts.

Earthquake:

Tsunamis are frequently generated by earthquakes that disturb the seafloor, especially along subduction boundaries of tectonic plates near ocean trenches. The magnitude of the tsunami is directly related to the scale of the earthquake.

Underwater Explosion:

Certain human activities, like nuclear testing, can also generate tsunamis. For instance, nuclear testing by the US in the 1940s and 1950s in the Marshall Islands led to tsunami formation.

Volcanic Eruption:

Volcanic eruptions occurring in coastal waters have the potential to induce tsunamis, as the associated effects can disrupt the water and generate powerful waves.

Landslides:

Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions often trigger landslides, and when these landslides occur underwater, particularly in oceans, bays, or lakes, they can produce tsunamis.

Meteorite Impacts:

While there is no documented historic example of a meteorite impact causing a tsunami, an apparent meteorite impact around 5 million years ago left deposits along the Gulf Coast of Mexico and the United States, suggesting the potential for tsunami generation.

INS Nistar

The Nistar is India’s first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel, marking a step forward in the country’s naval self-reliance. Key Highlights of the Nistar:
Share It

National Commission for Minorities (NCM)

The National Commission for Minorities is currently facing a leadership vacuum. Since the retirement of the previous Chairperson and members in April 2025, the Commission is awaiting the appointme
Share It

North Eastern Region (NER) District Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index Report (2023-24)

The second edition of the North Eastern Region (NER) District Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index Report was recently released by NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the Ministry of Developmen
Share It

Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency

The study by Nomura researchers calls for reform of India’s Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms, particularly to better protect small cars. Key Highlights of the Study: 1.
Share It

Delhi’s Fuel Ban for Old Vehicles

The Delhi Government has faced considerable backlash following its fuel ban for old vehicles under a directive from the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM). The ban was implemented to cur
Share It

India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023

The India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023 has sparked controversy by attributing part of the negative change in forest cover to the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. The claim has been contested b
Share It

International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) is a crucial international agreement that plays a key role in the conservation and sustainable use of plant g
Share It

Green Climate Fund (GCF)

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) has recently approved over USD 120 million to support climate resilience projects in Ghana, the Maldives, and Mauritania. This funding aims to assist these countries i
Share It

Quad Critical Minerals Initiative

The Quad Critical Minerals Initiative launched by the United States, India, Australia, and Japan marks a significant shift in global geopolitics and economic strategy, especially with regard to cr
Share It

NITI Aayog's Proposal

NITI Aayog's proposed roadmap to boost India's chemical exports is a significant step toward enhancing the country's position in global chemical supply chains and addressing existing i
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS