Fault Beneath the Sea May Produce Tsunamis

A geological fault discovered beneath the sea near Japan poses the threat of generating giant waves, a study reports. Such waves, called tsunamis, could pose a threat to densely populated coastal cities in southwestern Japan. Researchers led by Jin-Oh Park of the Japan Marine Science and Technology Center in Yokohama discovered the fault using a seismic reflection profile, developed by measuring vibrations from the surface that are reflected back by deep rock formations. Their findings were reported in Friday’s issue of Science.

The fault is in an area where the Philippine Sea plate is sinking below the Eurasian plate. Movement of the plates deep within the Earth can travel up the fault, where it has the potential to trigger earthquakes and could generate tsunamis, the researchers say.