What's Happening?
A recent study has uncovered evidence of megathrust earthquakes and seismic supercycles in subtropical Japan by analyzing millennia-old coral microatolls. Researchers measured and sampled fossil and living microatolls in Nagura Bay, using high-resolution
drone imagery and real-time kinematic Global Navigation Satellite System (RTK-GNSS) to assess their position and elevation. The study found that these microatolls record past relative sea level (RSL) variations due to tectonic or climatic changes. The coral's growth patterns, influenced by RSL changes, provide insights into historical seismic activity. The research highlights the potential of coral microatolls as valuable indicators of past seismic events, offering a new perspective on the region's seismic history.
Why It's Important?
This study is significant as it provides a novel method for understanding the seismic history of subtropical Japan, a region prone to earthquakes. By using coral microatolls as natural recorders of past seismic activity, researchers can gain insights into the frequency and magnitude of historical earthquakes. This information is crucial for improving seismic hazard assessments and preparedness strategies in the region. The findings also contribute to the broader understanding of seismic supercycles, which can inform global earthquake research and risk mitigation efforts. The study underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in geoscience research, combining biology, geology, and technology to uncover new data.
