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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