Erica Aiga

Joshua Do
Kevin Ung
Miranda Ramirez
Group 5

Tohoku Tsunami
Local Map

Pattern: Based on the map, the earthquake occurred on the east side of Japan and brought high
waves of up to 128 feet. The waves, marked as blue lines, traveled as far as 6 miles inland in this
location.
Process: Moments before the waves reached the coast of Tohoku and the start of the earthquake,
Japans early warning system sent text messages, stopped subways, and halted factories to
prevent injuries or deaths. As the tsunami waves hit Tohoku, many buildings were damaged,
tsunami seawalls were surpassed, and as close to 217 miles of land were flooded. In addition,
about 15,891 people are confirmed dead and 2,500 bodies are still not found. Most of the death
was caused by drowning rather than from the quake.
Solutions: In situations such as this, it is best to heed any warnings from the news or radio. If the
water on the shoreline is seen to decrease from its original level, after a quake, it is best to run or
drive inland as soon as possible.

Regional Map

Pattern: In this map it shows the epicenter of the earthquake, which was located 80 miles East
of Japan. The earthquake occurred close to the Japan trench, and triggered a tsunami.
Process: The earthquake occurred in the subduction zone. Due to the earthquake occurring in a
shallow zone the earths crust was flexed. Therefore, it raised the water levels, which became a
tsunami. With an earthquake magnitude of 9.0 or more, tsunamis can produced a height of ten
feet or higher. In this map there was a tsunami generated at 39 meters and traveled close to six
miles inland. It caused severe damage along the coast of Japan and inland of Japan.
Solutions: The solution to this problem is to become aware of how to be better prepared for a
major natural disaster. Gather enough food, water, and emergency supplies for more than a week.

Global Map

Pattern: In this map, it shows the areas of the North Pacific Ocean, South Pacific Ocean,
Oceania, and Hawaii that were damaged from the Tohoku tsunami. The map shows high waves
moving southeast, which the waves icon represents damages. The place with the greatest damage
caused by the Tohoku tsunami is located closest to the epicenter of the earthquake.
Process: The process of this map shows the epicenter occurring close to the coast of Japan.
Making the tsunami risk dangerous to those who live on the coast and inland of Japan. When the
earthquake happened it caused a shift in the plates, therefore leading the water levels to elevate.
This provokes the tides to increase in the ocean south and east of the epicenter making it
dangerous for those on the coast or on the islands nearby Japan. The aftershocks of smaller
tsunamis that are less violent show moving east of Japan and down south towards Australia. Due

to where the earthquake happened at the Japan Trench, the two plates beneath Japan shifted
causing severe damage to japan as opposed to the nearby islands and coasts.
Solutions: A solution to this map is to put out a warning to the coasts and islands that signs of a
tsunami can hit due to the magnitude of the earthquake. Let the communities of the coast and
islands know that tides will be more rough than normal and staying out of the deeper end of the
ocean is advised for the safety of others. If there is a high chance of a tsunami hitting the coast or
land have all civilians move inland or to a higher elevation.

Works Cited
Powell, Devin. "Japan Quake Epicenter Was in Unexpected Location." Wired.com. Conde Nast
Digital, 03 July 2011. Web. 11 Oct. 2015.
Oskin, By Becky. "Japan Earthquake & Tsunami of 2011: Facts and Information." LiveScience.
TechMedia Network, 07 May 2015. Web. 11 Oct. 2015.