Earth shakes from a sequence of 2000 earthquakes as the intensity of the approaching tropical storm escalates in Japan.
The Tokara Islands, a picturesque archipelago in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, have been shaken by a series of earthquakes over the past month, marking the most active period in nearly three decades. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has reported over 2,000 earthquakes of Shindo 1 or greater since the seismic swarm began on June 21.
The increased seismicity can be attributed to several factors. The Tokara Islands are situated astride two overlapping tectonic plates, making them prone to seismic activity, including earthquake swarms. Experts also suggest that the subsurface movement of magma could be a significant cause, given the presence of submarine volcanoes in the area. Furthermore, the earthquakes are occurring along normal and strike-slip faults, indicating that the movement of the Earth's crust along these faults is contributing to the seismic activity.
One notable event occurred on July 13, when a quake near Toshima Village on Akusekijima Island registered a Shindo 4. The heightened intensity of the earthquakes is attributed to their shallow depth and proximity to inhabited areas.
However, there is no direct evidence that approaching tropical cyclones are contributing to the seismic risk in the Tokara Islands. While tropical cyclones can indirectly influence seismicity by altering the stress on the Earth's crust through changes in atmospheric pressure and groundwater levels, this effect is not directly linked to the current seismic activity in the area.
The ongoing earthquake swarm coincides with the approach of a tropical cyclone, increasing the risk of landslides and debris flows on waterlogged slopes. Daily tallies of earthquakes have remained high, with 30 quakes recorded on July 12, 70 on July 13, and 21 as of July 14.
The strongest tremor so far struck on July 3, measuring Shindo 6 lower. As the seismic activity continues, experts are closely monitoring the situation to assess any potential risks and provide updates to the public.
The Tokara Islands' current seismic activity, influenced by their location on tectonic plates and potential magma movement, could potentially impact tourism, given the increased number of earthquakes and risk of landslides. Meanwhile, approaching tropical cyclones might indirectly influence weather conditions, but there is no evidence linking them to the current seismic risks.
