Satellite Photos of Japan, Before and After the Quake and Tsunami
Compare satellite images of areas of Japan before and after the disaster.
March 13, 2011
How Shifting Plates Caused the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan
Shifting plates
Shaking magnitude
Tsunami
Shifting plates and rising water
The sudden movement of the Pacific tectonic plate under the North American plate caused a massive earthquake and a tsunami.
In order to view this feature, you must download the latest version of flash player here.
Source: U.S. Geological Survey
Magnitude of shaking
An 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck the coast of Japan on Friday at a depth of about 17 miles below the earth's surface. Dozens of aftershocks, some of magnitude 6.0 or greater, were felt after the quake.
Source: U.S. Geological Survey
Predicted tsunami wave heights
The tsunami set off warnings for much of the Pacific basin including the west coast of the United States and South America. Officials say waves have not caused major damage in Hawaii and pose no flooding danger in California.
Source: NOAA Center for Tsunami Research, Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory
Related Multimedia
A Closer Look at the Damage From the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan
Zoom in on images and examine scenes of the destruction in Japan.
Aftermath of the Earthquake in Japan
Tokyo bureau chief Martin Fackler reports on the huge earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan.