Potential Damage

Japan has had a very long history of very violent natural disasters. Earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis are a consistent presence on the Japanese archipelago. Due to the subduction zone, where Japan sits, there are over 1,500 earthquakes reported yearly, with parts of the country having daily tremors. 10% of the world’s active volcanoes are on this relatively small country. Tsunamis, results of the subduction zone and its earthquakes have washed Japan smooth many times in history.
The geological area that Japan sits makes it one of the most volatile and most densely populated countries. With plates fighting for lithosphere dominance, the activity above and below the sea, and the ocean constantly threatening to overcome the island, Japan is a focus point of many scientists interested in the ways of the changing world.