Massive earthquake in Japan

[HaRuMaN]

I know we have a few members here in Japan...  everyone ok?

[Vigo]

I have heard back from just about all my friends in Japan, thankfully none of them are hurt. One of my wife's friends place is trashed, but that's only material damages.

Hopefully everyone here who lives in Japan or has family or friends there is receiving this kind of good news as well.

Earthquakes suck big time, and considering the magnitude of this earthquake, the devastation in Japan is actually not nearly as bad as they could have been. There is at least something to be thankful for. 

[RayB]

Several more too strong to just dismiss as "aftershocks".

[ark_ader]

Its a volcanic island.

Earthquakes are part and parcel.

[Hoopz]

Its a volcanic island.

Earthquakes are part and parcel.

Yeah, that puts the tragedy into perspective.   

[drventure]

the devastation in Japan is actually not nearly as bad as they could have been.

True enough, but I suspect a lot of that is due to the extra engineering they do in most of their building, precisely because they get so many quakes.

Still, it sounds like a pretty rough time there. My prayers go out to them...

[polaris]

Its a volcanic island.

Earthquakes are part and parcel.

just how desperate for attention are you?

[ark_ader]

Its a volcanic island.

Earthquakes are part and parcel.

just how desperate for attention are you?

Not enough to attract your kind of attention. 

Why don't you start a poll?

[hypernova]

I'm not used to having to wonder whether a family member is over in volatile regions or whatever, so I was quite surprised to realize in an update from my mother that my sister-in-law is doing fine while on a trip with her employer (Xavier University).  Totally forgot she was over there.  Don't know how my brother is doing.  Probably just fine, but a bit anxious.  He's a bit like me.

Sometimes it's quite a blessing being ignorant about these types of things.  I didn't know, so I couldn't worry about it.  

[Vigo]

the devastation in Japan is actually not nearly as bad as they could have been.

True enough, but I suspect a lot of that is due to the extra engineering they do in most of their building, precisely because they get so many quakes.

Still, it sounds like a pretty rough time there. My prayers go out to them...

They do a lot of special engineering to their buildings, and that makes a huge difference. With something as massive as an 8.9 earthquake though, I don't think much would be still standing at ground zero. Luckily enough, ground zero was a few miles into the ocean. The downside of that is the horrible tsunamis, though.

[opt2not]

Its a volcanic island.

Earthquakes are part and parcel.

Looks like the Pacific Ring of Fire is acting up.

Scary stuff.

[Ed_McCarron]

Looks like the Pacific Ring of Fire is acting up.

Scary stuff.

All that stored energy has to go somewhere.  Once the plates slip and settle down, we'll enter a relatively quiescent period again.

Just watch out in the meanwhile.  Mother nature is more PO'd than Saint when a thread gets post helled.   

[SavannahLion]

Reports are the nuclear reactor is without coolant and is starting to leak. I hope luck is on their side in the upcoming days otherwise there's going to be a 3...2...1......

[danny_galaga]

Reports are the nuclear reactor is without coolant and is starting to leak. I hope luck is on their side in the upcoming days otherwise there's going to be a 3...2...1......

This is the only thing that I would agree with Ark about. Knowing you have earthquakes and building nuclear reactors there anyway 

[ark_ader]

Danny is right, there seems to be a lack of intelligence involved to build 50 reactors in a quake based country like Japan.

Did you see the explosion at the troubled reactor?



This does not look good.

The Japanese has had some experience with radiation, so I am sure they will contain this the best they can.

Though I do not know what a nuclear explosion would add to the seismic issues going on around the island.

[Hoopz]

The Japanese has had some experience with radiation, so I am sure they will contain this the best they can.

That may very well be the most insensitive comment that I have ever read.  Considering the likes of some posters around here, you far surpass them for being a complete and utter dolt.

[polaris]

The Japanese has had some experience with radiation, so I am sure they will contain this the best they can.

That may very well be the most insensitive comment that I have ever read.  Considering the likes of some posters around here, you far surpass them for being a complete and utter dolt.

he's a desperate attention seeking troll ignore him

[Grasshopper]

Its a volcanic island.

Earthquakes are part and parcel.

Do you never learn?

If you want to crap up a thread about earthquakes then why not just stick to the one you're already sent to the PnR forum?

[Grasshopper]

Reports are the nuclear reactor is without coolant and is starting to leak. I hope luck is on their side in the upcoming days otherwise there's going to be a 3...2...1......

This is the only thing that I would agree with Ark about. Knowing you have earthquakes and building nuclear reactors there anyway 

I'm not sure they really had much choice. Unlike Australia, Japan has virtually no natural energy resources of its own. So if they want energy security then nuclear power is currently the only option.

That being said, I do wonder why so many of their reactors appear to have been built on the coast.

[Ed_McCarron]

Reports are the nuclear reactor is without coolant and is starting to leak. I hope luck is on their side in the upcoming days otherwise there's going to be a 3...2...1......

This is the only thing that I would agree with Ark about. Knowing you have earthquakes and building nuclear reactors there anyway 

The reactors are built to survive much worse things than quakes.  Sounds like a coolant pump failed.  Probably caused by the quake, but not direct damage.  They're flooding the reactor core with sea water to keep things under control.  Radiation release seems to have been limited.

[opt2not]

Danny is right, there seems to be a lack of intelligence involved to build 50 reactors in a quake based country like Japan.

Whether it's 50 (55 actually) or 5, any amount of reactors that can potentially meltdown isn't smart to have residing in a quake based area.
The same thing can be said about California.  There are 6 active plants in Cali, 2 of which sandwich the highest density of human sprawl on the west coast. LA an San Diego.
Given the fact that California shakes more time of the year than a hairless dog in the winter, you'd think they'd be smarter as well.
They could harness that good ol' Santa Ana wind-power, or invest into more Geothermal power since they have an abundance of ground-thermal activity.  But hey, it's classic American capitalism that prevents them from doing the right thing.

Also, don't forget that Japan has the highest standards for earthquake proofing buildings in the world. More-so than anywhere else, including cali. Though this can't account for record-breaking magnitudes of shock, it does help to comfort one's worry that they know what they're doing and have preventative measures to anything drastic happening. At least, one would hope.

I heart pours out to the families in Japan that have had to endure this devastation.

[SavannahLion]

Danny is right, there seems to be a lack of intelligence involved to build 50 reactors in a quake based country like Japan.

Whether it's 50 (55 actually) or 5, any amount of reactors that can potentially meltdown isn't smart to have residing in a quake based area.
The same thing can be said about California.  There are 6 active plants in Cali, 2 of which sandwich the highest density of human sprawl on the west coast. LA an San Diego.
Given the fact that California shakes more time of the year than a hairless dog in the winter, you'd think they'd be smarter as well.
They could harness that good ol' Santa Ana wind-power, or invest into more Geothermal power since they have an abundance of ground-thermal activity.  But hey, it's classic American capitalism that prevents them from doing the right thing.

California, in general, is in turmoil. Not as bad as some states but it's pretty nuts. There are a lot of self interest groups fighting amongst themselves that they fail to see the big picture. Cases in point.

Two Los Angeles area Senators want to divert roughly 2.5 billion federal dollars earmarked for high speed rail towards widening the 99 highway. They're arguing the bill at the capital as this post goes up. In essence, they want to encourage more drivers on the road adding to pollution instead of encouraging a high speed rail transit system designed to take people off the road and preserve the air. 

Recently, the waste water management board forced a rate increase in the Sacramento region to pay for a new water treatment plant. Too bad the water isn't intended to go back to the local residents. Instead, it's part of a much larger plan to divert water from the delta (a large tributary somewhere between Sacramento and Los Angeles that is home to a large section of wild life and farms) and pump it directly to Los Angeles. Naturally, Los Angeles residents aren't paying for this "improvement".

Governor Brown is getting rid of a compensation plan that compensates schools for lost tax dollars that end up in the local government redevelopment and improvement agencies. To protect their "assets", many local governments are shuttling the assets (money and property) to other local agencies and tying them up. Naturally, if the state government cuts funding, it'll kill already struggling schools so many of the local agencies aren't really thinking the whole thing through.

Back on topic. The whole energy thing is one big ball of bull ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---. People don't want to look at "ugly" turbines (and they kill migrating birds) but insist on clean solar panels. We can't install solar panels because it'll harm wild life when the installation goes in and it'll kill the ultra rare plants under the panels (it still hasn't occurred to anybody to install them on roofs apparently). Can't burn coal or oil because of the pollution.

I don't know why California don't expand their geothermal capabilities. It only makes up about 4.5% of our consumption but California houses about 2/3 of the U.S.'s total geothermal capabilities and California is one of the only ones that uses dry steam. Hell, New York still operates steam piping. Nuclear power is born out of the frustration of getting anything with decent capacity in. In California, Geothermal is probably the only source of energy I haven't heard any environmentalist, GenXers or Money Mongers ---smurfette--- about and it makes up such a tiny tiny amount of energy that's consumed. I don't know the numbers but I can't imagine geothermals expanding much more than it already is.

California can do so much to reduce their consumption but they won't do it. It's home to some of the most lavish living the the U.S. that I don't see that changing any time soon.

[Ed_McCarron]

Geothermal is probably the only source of energy I haven't heard any environmentalist, GenXers or Money Mongers ---smurfette--- about and it makes up such a tiny tiny amount of energy that's consumed.

Wait'll they discover it cools the earth and causes earthquakes.   

[ark_ader]

The Japanese has had some experience with radiation, so I am sure they will contain this the best they can.

That may very well be the most insensitive comment that I have ever read.  Considering the likes of some posters around here, you far surpass them for being a complete and utter dolt.

Considering the US dropped not one but two atomic bombs on Japan, I would say the Japanese would have the most extensive experience to deal with radiation exposure.

Personally, I think the Dolphin and Whale Gods are upset with Japan, and struck them from the underworld.

Insensitive?  Yes.  I have my reasons.  I have given you three so far.

You can attack me for being insensitive if you must.

I hope that the Japanese will have more respect for the planet.

[polaris]

TROLL

[ark_ader]

Danny is right, there seems to be a lack of intelligence involved to build 50 reactors in a quake based country like Japan.

Whether it's 50 (55 actually) or 5, any amount of reactors that can potentially meltdown isn't smart to have residing in a quake based area.
The same thing can be said about California.  There are 6 active plants in Cali, 2 of which sandwich the highest density of human sprawl on the west coast. LA an San Diego.
Given the fact that California shakes more time of the year than a hairless dog in the winter, you'd think they'd be smarter as well.
They could harness that good ol' Santa Ana wind-power, or invest into more Geothermal power since they have an abundance of ground-thermal activity.  But hey, it's classic American capitalism that prevents them from doing the right thing.

Also, don't forget that Japan has the highest standards for earthquake proofing buildings in the world. More-so than anywhere else, including cali. Though this can't account for record-breaking magnitudes of shock, it does help to comfort one's worry that they know what they're doing and have preventative measures to anything drastic happening. At least, one would hope.

I heart pours out to the families in Japan that have had to endure this devastation.

I agree the building took the earthquake very well, I'm wondering about that village that had 10K people in it that are missing.

[Ed_McCarron]

Danny is right, there seems to be a lack of intelligence involved to build 50 reactors in a quake based country like Japan.

Whether it's 50 (55 actually) or 5, any amount of reactors that can potentially meltdown isn't smart to have residing in a quake based area.
The same thing can be said about California.  There are 6 active plants in Cali, 2 of which sandwich the highest density of human sprawl on the west coast. LA an San Diego.
Given the fact that California shakes more time of the year than a hairless dog in the winter, you'd think they'd be smarter as well.
They could harness that good ol' Santa Ana wind-power, or invest into more Geothermal power since they have an abundance of ground-thermal activity.  But hey, it's classic American capitalism that prevents them from doing the right thing.

Also, don't forget that Japan has the highest standards for earthquake proofing buildings in the world. More-so than anywhere else, including cali. Though this can't account for record-breaking magnitudes of shock, it does help to comfort one's worry that they know what they're doing and have preventative measures to anything drastic happening. At least, one would hope.

I heart pours out to the families in Japan that have had to endure this devastation.

I agree the building took the earthquake very well, I'm wondering about that village that had 10K people in it that are missing.

I wonder if more people will die from the quake itself or the tsunami afterwards?

[ark_ader]

Danny is right, there seems to be a lack of intelligence involved to build 50 reactors in a quake based country like Japan.

Whether it's 50 (55 actually) or 5, any amount of reactors that can potentially meltdown isn't smart to have residing in a quake based area.
The same thing can be said about California.  There are 6 active plants in Cali, 2 of which sandwich the highest density of human sprawl on the west coast. LA an San Diego.
Given the fact that California shakes more time of the year than a hairless dog in the winter, you'd think they'd be smarter as well.
They could harness that good ol' Santa Ana wind-power, or invest into more Geothermal power since they have an abundance of ground-thermal activity.  But hey, it's classic American capitalism that prevents them from doing the right thing.

Also, don't forget that Japan has the highest standards for earthquake proofing buildings in the world. More-so than anywhere else, including cali. Though this can't account for record-breaking magnitudes of shock, it does help to comfort one's worry that they know what they're doing and have preventative measures to anything drastic happening. At least, one would hope.

I heart pours out to the families in Japan that have had to endure this devastation.

I agree the building took the earthquake very well, I'm wondering about that village that had 10K people in it that are missing.

I wonder if more people will die from the quake itself or the tsunami afterwards?

The waters off Japan are contaminated, and the Japanese eat a lot of fish. 

What is the environmental impact on the aquatic life in the area surrounding the affected Tsunami devastated coast line?

My question I guess is linked to Thailand and what happened after with the aquatic life there.

[amendonz]

you are the lowest form of human.

and a "captain hindsight"

[danny_galaga]

Reports are the nuclear reactor is without coolant and is starting to leak. I hope luck is on their side in the upcoming days otherwise there's going to be a 3...2...1......

This is the only thing that I would agree with Ark about. Knowing you have earthquakes and building nuclear reactors there anyway 

I'm not sure they really had much choice. Unlike Australia, Japan has virtually no natural energy resources of its own. So if they want energy security then nuclear power is currently the only option.

That being said, I do wonder why so many of their reactors appear to have been built on the coast.

Dunno why that equates to energy security. Nuclear or coal, they have to buy the fuel from us anyway 

[SavannahLion]

Geothermal is probably the only source of energy I haven't heard any environmentalist, GenXers or Money Mongers ---smurfette--- about and it makes up such a tiny tiny amount of energy that's consumed.

Wait'll they discover it cools the earth and causes earthquakes.   

Great thanks, that'll give fuel to the Verne...ians to ---smurfette--- about.

[DaOld Man]

My heart and prayers go out to the people in that region.
What doesnt seem to be mentioned in this thread is that if one or more of the reactors go Chernobyl, the whole earth will suffer. Looks like US is right in the airstream from Japan, and the radiation could wrap around the whole earth, so the worse may not be over for some years now.

I live in KY, USA, and we are extremely close to a major fault line called New Madrid.
I shudder to think how life would change here if we got an earthquake like they did.
One quake years ago reportedly made the Mississippi river flow backwards, and formed Reel Foot lake here in KY.
We live in a very fragile balance, if you think about it.

[SavannahLion]

News just reported that there's a partial meltdown under way in #1 and a potential for a meltdown in #2 and #4's pumps have failed (earlier today news was reporting only 2 reactors with failed pumps). If these three reactors meltdown, it's going to be the biggest disaster in history. Way above and beyond Chernobyl.

Might be a good idea to get a radiation meter.

[ark_ader]

I do not think it will go that way. I wouldn't rule out getting some anti radiation Potassium Iodate Tablets if you can find any.

Maybe a detector.

The Japanese are very good at containing such disasters, and would have every conceivable risk and emergency contingency.

I think calm and rational thought on the subject is required.

I give to the Red Cross every month, any others here with thoughts on arcade purchases should divert such funds to the Red Cross.

I fear for any ecological damage to the area.  Hopefully our use of nuclear fuel will decrease, after this disaster.

This is not just a Japanese disaster, is a pending global one.

[DaOld Man]

The Japanese are very good at containing such disasters....

Besides Hiroshima and Nagasaki, when has Japan had such a nuclear disaster as this?

[RayB]

It's really unfair to criticise a nation that has the best engineered quake-proof construction on the planet. The problem here is no one ever expected anything of this magnitude. If you think about the last major quake in California, it was a mere 5.7.  Japan has had dozens over 5.0 in the last couple days, with that first one being 8.8! Remember, on the Richter scale, an increase of 1.0 is TEN times greater.

Also worth learning is that japan sits on the meeting point of 4 seperate tectonic plates.

I'm gonna bail out of this thread before I read any more stupid comments.

[ark_ader]

I'm gonna bail out of this thread before I read any more stupid comments.

It is getting very gloomy, and there is a possible 7.0 quake going to happen soon.

I hear that the fallout from the reactors will flow south towards Tokyo.....

[Mikezilla]

The Japanese has had some experience with radiation, so I am sure they will contain this the best they can.

That may very well be the most insensitive comment that I have ever read.  Considering the likes of some posters around here, you far surpass them for being a complete and utter dolt.

Considering the US dropped not one but two atomic bombs on Japan, I would say the Japanese would have the most extensive experience to deal with radiation exposure.

Personally, I think the Dolphin and Whale Gods are upset with Japan, and struck them from the underworld.

Insensitive?  Yes.  I have my reasons.  I have given you three so far.

You can attack me for being insensitive if you must.

I hope that the Japanese will have more respect for the planet.

Talk about being repulsed by ones comments. You are complete and utter waste of life, if I wasnt scared of being blocked by Saint, I would have quite a few other choice words to say to you. You are a wretched human being.

[ark_ader]

The Japanese has had some experience with radiation, so I am sure they will contain this the best they can.

That may very well be the most insensitive comment that I have ever read.  Considering the likes of some posters around here, you far surpass them for being a complete and utter dolt.

Considering the US dropped not one but two atomic bombs on Japan, I would say the Japanese would have the most extensive experience to deal with radiation exposure.

Personally, I think the Dolphin and Whale Gods are upset with Japan, and struck them from the underworld.

Insensitive?  Yes.  I have my reasons.  I have given you three so far.

You can attack me for being insensitive if you must.

I hope that the Japanese will have more respect for the planet.

Talk about being repulsed by ones comments. You are complete and utter waste of life, if I wasnt scared of being blocked by Saint, I would have quite a few other choice words to say to you. You are a wretched human being.

Thanks.  You can always make suitable comments using the Private Message System.  I do not blame you for your opinions, and you should not feel afraid to express them.

Just tell me where I made innacurate comments, and I will change them.

Otherwise: Sticks and Stones Mate.


I hear that there will be a shortage of food and medical supplies. 

Please go to this site and make a donation if you can.

[hypernova]

It's really unfair to criticise a nation that has the best engineered quake-proof construction on the planet. The problem here is no one ever expected anything of this magnitude. If you think about the last major quake in California, it was a mere 5.7.  Japan has had dozens over 5.0 in the last couple days, with that first one being 8.8! Remember, on the Richter scale, an increase of 1.0 is ONE THOUSAND times greater.

Also worth learning is that japan sits on the meeting point of 4 seperate tectonic plates.

I'm gonna bail out of this thread before I read any more stupid comments.

The Richter scale is a base-10 logarithmic scale.  An increase of 1.0 means it's 10x greater.  An increase of 2.0 is 100x, 3.0 -> 1000x, etc.