1964 Japan Earthquake
Niigata, Japan, June 16, 1964
The 1964 Niigata earthquake is famous for producing spectacular liquefaction that caused entire apartment blocks to slowly topple on their sides. The earthquake demonstrated how water-saturated sandy soils transform into quicksand during shaking, a phenomenon that became a major focus of geotechnical engineering.
Earthquake Facts
Magnitude
M7.5
Date
Jun 16, 1964
Depth
34 km
Deaths
26
Latitude
38.396°
Longitude
139.218°
Tsunami
Yes
Region
Japan
Tectonic Cause
Thrust fault along the Sea of Japan compressional margin. The Niigata region has a long history of large earthquakes due to its position above active reverse faults.
Aftermath in Pictures
Photos from Wikimedia Commons: open licenses (CC / Public Domain)
Images sourced from Wikimedia Commons under open licenses. Attribution required where specified. Click any image to enlarge.
Sources & Further Reading
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