William here with tonight’s tectonic point. Kumanichi mentioned in a blurb a JMA study on the concept that the interrelationship between the two fault ruptures (the Futagawa and Hinagu faults) may have been what led to an earthquake larger than the theoretical maximum of M7. This reminded me of a recent study on the San Andreas fault in my home state of California on exactly such a scenario. The link below is to an intro to that study of an 1812 earthquake in Los Angeles likely similar to what happened here. Expect swarms of seismologists and geologists to descend once recovery work is done - especially from California. A case study is in the works which will provide invaluable information.
https://news.stanford.edu/2016/03/14/rupture-multi-quakes-031416/
Tag: Understandingwhathappened
