MEXET has allocated 300 million yen for studies on main Kumamoto faults headed by researchers from Kushu and Kumamoto Universities. Expected to continue for three years through 2018, their initial report was just released.
The report points out that both the Hinagu (日奈久断層帯) and Futagawa (布田川断層帯) faults can be divided into three sections. However, only the northern sections of each fault ruptured in the quakes. Research thus focuses on determining how much strain and distortion has been loaded to the central and southern fault sections. Also, whether the Futagawa fault continues through Aso caldera - suspected but never measured - is under study. In addition to geological measurements, reviews of ancient literature are being conducted to search for historical evidence of past quakes so as to discern patterns.
The blue lines in the map show ruptured sections; red, those unruptured and thus of concern. The major aim is to recalculate quake probabilities over the next 30 years. - William
