EARTH SC 2GG3: Natural Disasters

Video: Japan Tsunami

1. Explain how the interaction between the Eurasian plate and the Pacific plate led to the
earthquake. For how long does this type of interaction occur before a major earthquake
happens?

2. Why does the height and intensity of the wave vary from town to town?

3. What new feature did the tsunami produce in Kahoku? Explain how the geography of that
area made this a particularly remarkable occurrence.

4. Why was the Fukushima nuclear plant at risk of meltdown? How did the military try to save
the plant?

5. Why might a similar earthquake/tsunami event happen off the west coast of North America?
Which specific land areas are at highest risk from such an event?