The Japan Meteorological Agency
(which also monitors seismic activity) recorded a Magnitude 6.7
Earthquake at a depth of 50 km off the south coast of Hokkaido Island,
slightly before 12.30 pm Japan Standard Time (slightly after 3.30 am GMT)
on Thursday 14 January 2016. There are no reports of any damage or
injuries associated with this event, though it was felt as far south as Tokyo.
The approximate location of the 14 January 2016 Hokkaido Earthquake. Google Maps.
Japan has a complex tectonic situation, with parts of the country on four different tectonic plates. Eastern Honshu area lies on the boundary between the Pacific, Eurasian and Philipine Plates, where the Pacific Plate is passing beneath the Eurasian and Philippine Plates as it is subducted into the Earth. This is not a smooth process; the rocks of the two plates constantly stick together, only to break apart again as the pressure builds up, causing Earthquakes in the process.
The movement of the Pacific and Philippine Plates beneath eastern Honshu. Laurent Jolivet/Institut des Sciences de la Terre d'Orléans/Sciences de la Terre et de l'Environnement.
Witness
accounts of Earthquakes can help geologists to understand these events,
and the structures that cause them. The international non-profit
organization Earthquake Report is interested in hearing from people who may have felt this event; if you felt this quake then you can report it to Earthquake Report here.
See also...
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Magnitude 5.7 Earthquake off the east coast of Honshū Island, Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency (which also monitors seismic activity) recorded a Magnitude 5.7
Earthquake at a depth of 50 km off the coast of Iwate Prefecture,
slightly after 1.45 pm Japan Standard Time (slightly after 4.45 am GMT)
on Tuesday 17 February 2015. There...
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