Note: Map shows the area with a shake intensity of 3 or greater, which U.S.G.S. defines as “weak,” though the earthquake may be felt outside the areas shown. The New York Times
A major, 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck in the North Pacific Ocean near Japan on Monday, according to the United States Geological Survey. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued tsunami warnings for parts of the country’s northeastern coast.
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The temblor happened at 11:15 p.m. Japan time about 45 miles northeast of Misawa, Japan, data from the U.S.G.S. shows.
As seismologists review available data, they may revise the earthquake’s reported magnitude. Additional information collected about the earthquake may also prompt U.S.G.S. scientists to update the shake-severity map.
Aftershocks in the region
An aftershock is usually a smaller earthquake that follows a larger one in the same general area. Aftershocks are typically minor adjustments along the portion of a fault that slipped at the time of the initial earthquake.
Quakes and aftershocks within 100 miles
Aftershocks can occur days, weeks or even years after the first earthquake. These events can be of equal or larger magnitude to the initial earthquake, and they can continue to affect already damaged locations.
When quakes and aftershocks occurred
Source: United States Geological Survey | Notes: Shaking categories are based on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. When aftershock data is available, the corresponding maps and charts include earthquakes within 100 miles and seven days of the initial quake. All times above are Japan time. Shake data is as of Monday, Dec. 8 at 11:33 p.m. Japan time. Aftershocks data is as of Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 12:16 a.m. Japan time.
Maps: Daylight (urban areas); MapLibre (map rendering); Natural Earth (roads, labels, terrain); Protomaps (map tiles)
