# Large earthquake in Northeast Japan **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 11, 2011, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279 "2011-03-11T06:10:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 34
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2011, 11:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279/662 "2011-03-20T11:24:58Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > I’m not blaming the Japanese for possible over-reactions and/or fears - _it’s everybody else_ who has leapt into hysteria that I get irritated at. Exactly. I’m irritated at the media, because scary, misleading headlines makes more money than just telling the truth. I’m irritated at the people in the US buying up all the KI when there’s no need for it and that they, and whoever gave them this idea in the first place, think that KI is some sort of magical superpill that will totally protect them from all radiation. ---
**Author:** ![Moonlitherial](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4bbf92/32.png) [@Moonlitherial](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonlitherial)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2011, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279/663 "2011-03-20T13:15:49Z")
> [@Raguleader](#): > > In other news, got linked to this chart made by Randall Munroe, a mathematician of some fame: > > [Radiation Dose Chart](http://xkcd.com/radiation/) This really helps. I was fairly certain that people were being alarmist but this is awesome. The best part is that so far the people who have taken airplanes to leave have been exposed to more radiation than those who stayed. That doesn’t mean they were wrong to leave but it’s a nice perspective on the current effects of that portion of the disaster. ---
**Author:** ![Sakuma\_Drops](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/50afbb/32.png) [@Sakuma\_Drops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sakuma_Drops)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2011, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279/664 "2011-03-20T13:35:06Z")
> [@Raguleader](#): > > In other news, got linked to this chart made by Randall Munroe, a mathematician of some fame: > > [Radiation Dose Chart](http://xkcd.com/radiation/) That chart is quite awesome, thanks for sharing! “\*Unless it’s a bananaphone”. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![levdrakon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@levdrakon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/levdrakon)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2011, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279/665 "2011-03-20T15:04:58Z")
> [@asterion](#): > > Exactly. I’m irritated at the media, because scary, misleading headlines makes more money than just telling the truth. I’m irritated at the people in the US buying up all the KI when there’s no need for it and that they, and whoever gave them this idea in the first place, think that KI is some sort of magical superpill that will totally protect them from all radiation. They probably watched Battlestar Galactica. ---
**Author:** ![FXMastermind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fxmastermind/32/7289_2.png) [@FXMastermind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FXMastermind)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2011, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279/666 "2011-03-20T16:20:26Z")
I’m astounded by claims that the media is alarmist, is hyping fear or something. Then they show the image of reactor #3, clearly it lost the top two thirds of the structure, and is leaking steam from the reactor, but nobody in the media is harping on that. This is the plutonium reactor. If the media was fear mongering, they would repeat over and over how the plutonium reactor building, which blew to bits, means there is massive plutonium release, already. Then they would focus on the deception by the authorities who keep saying they don’t know what or how much radioactive material is coming from the plant. Or has already come from it. Both obvious lies. That’s how you fear monger. No media outlet is doing anything close to that. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2011, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279/667 "2011-03-20T18:47:06Z")
I’m confused - are you upset the media is NOT fearmongering to your standard so you feel compelled to do it here, for them? Or something else? ---
**Author:** ![Rushgeekgirl](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rushgeekgirl/32/3715_2.png) [@Rushgeekgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rushgeekgirl)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2011, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279/668 "2011-03-20T22:13:09Z")
Apparently the media isn’t afraid anymore. They’re more concerned with Libya and AT&T. ---
**Author:** ![Waenara](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/50afbb/32.png) [@Waenara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waenara)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2011, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279/669 "2011-03-20T22:20:17Z")
> [@FXMastermind](#): > > I’m astounded by claims that the media is alarmist, is hyping fear or something. Then they show the image of reactor #3, clearly it lost the top two thirds of the structure, and is leaking steam from the reactor, but nobody in the media is harping on that. Are you kidding? _Everyone_ in the media is harping on that. It’s practically 24/7 news coverage and endless replays of the video of the steam explosion. > [@](#): > > This is the plutonium reactor. If the media was fear mongering, they would repeat over and over how the plutonium reactor building, which blew to bits, means there is massive plutonium release, already. Cite that it’s already released plutonium at all, let alone a “massive” release? That reactor does use plutonium in its fuel rods, however fuel rods are contained within 1) the reactor core (thick steel pressure vessel), 2) primary containment structure (hermetically sealed steel and concrete), 3) external reactor building (keeps weather out, but nothing in). It’s #3 that was “blown to bits” with the hydrogen explosion. There may end up being damage to the containment structure(s), but they weren’t “blown to bits” and I have yet to see any credible source that says there’s already been a release of plutonium, let alone a massive release. ---
**Author:** ![FXMastermind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fxmastermind/32/7289_2.png) [@FXMastermind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FXMastermind)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2011, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279/670 "2011-03-20T22:47:39Z")
No, nobody has even mentioned a possible release of plutonium, for any reason. And every time somebody is asked to describe a worst case scenario, they refuse. Usually saying something like this- > [@](#): > > When asked about the worst-case scenario, Goto said he would “rather not think about that.” He also said there are too many factors to figure to make a solid conclusion on what will happen. [http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386\_3-20042852-76.html](http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-20042852-76.html) Of course if you can find a single credible news source that has talked about plutonium being released, please let us know. ---
**Author:** ![FXMastermind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fxmastermind/32/7289_2.png) [@FXMastermind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FXMastermind)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2011, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279/671 "2011-03-20T23:40:16Z")
I tried, but couldn’t find any fear based reports. In real media. [http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110321f1.html](http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110321f1.html) ---
**Author:** ![FXMastermind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fxmastermind/32/7289_2.png) [@FXMastermind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FXMastermind)\ **Post date:** [March 20, 2011, 11:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279/672 "2011-03-20T23:41:27Z")
I’m not giving up of course. [http://jpquake.wikispaces.com/Journalist+Wall+of+Shame](http://jpquake.wikispaces.com/Journalist+Wall+of+Shame) My first check, [Breaking News - Headlines & Top Stories | The Star](http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/954452--dimanno-nuclear-fear-grips-tokyo) was very disappointing. If that is fear mongering, then somebody lowered the standards. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279/673 "2011-03-22T02:11:15Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > I wonder if the close proximity of the moon has anything to do with the plates shifting? Don’t laugh. The Thais are blaming all the Japanese disasters on the supermoon last weekend despite it having occurred a week after the fact. They also are blaming it now proactively for the upcoming riot season, since all the local astrologers swear it means bad times. In fact, anything bad that happens for probably the next year or two will be credited to that damned supermoon. ---
**Author:** ![FXMastermind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fxmastermind/32/7289_2.png) [@FXMastermind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FXMastermind)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279/674 "2011-03-22T02:25:29Z")
Yeah, because the moon can’t effect the planet Earth. Everybody knows that. They blamed those high tides on it as well. Stupid people. ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279/675 "2011-03-22T02:31:07Z")
> [@Siam\_Sam](#): > > They also are blaming it now proactively for the upcoming riot season… You guys in Thailand _schedule_ your riots? Is that anything like how _Megatokyo_’s [Tokyo Police Cataclysm Division](http://wikitokyo.mt-talk.net/wiki/TPCD) schedules alien invasions and giant-monster attacks? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279/676 "2011-03-22T02:35:51Z")
March-May has become the riot season these past couple of years. That’s when the fields lie fallow and it’s easy to truck the farmers in and pay them a stipend to protest. ---
**Author:** ![Mister\_Rik](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mister_rik/32/491_2.png) [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279/677 "2011-03-22T02:42:42Z")
> [@Siam\_Sam](#): > > Don’t laugh. The Thais are blaming all the Japanese disasters on the supermoon last weekend despite it having occurred a week after the fact. They also are blaming it now proactively for the upcoming riot season, since all the local astrologers swear it means bad times. In fact, anything bad that happens for probably the next year or two will be credited to that damned supermoon. [Actually, it’s all North Korea’s fault](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZIgda01k6o). ---
**Author:** ![Sakuma\_Drops](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/50afbb/32.png) [@Sakuma\_Drops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sakuma_Drops)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279/678 "2011-03-22T03:29:01Z")
> [@FXMastermind](#): > > Yeah, because the moon can’t effect the planet Earth. Everybody knows that. They blamed those high tides on it as well. Stupid people. Uh, you do know that seismologists attribute an (albeit very small) effect on seismic activity due to strong tidal forces, right? Or so they do [according to this article](http://www.lifeslittlemysteries.com/supermoon-did-not-trigger-japan-earthquake-1451/). It’s not that actual scientists are in denial or something. The folly in linking lunar activity (or at least that of March 19th) to the earthquake that occurred off the coast of Japan on March 11, 2011 lies in the fact that: 1. the earthquake occurred at the first quarter moon; it is at first quarter and last quarter that tidal forces on the Earth are the _weakest_. 2. the earthquake occurred a week before the Moon was at perigee. My question to these worried folks would be: if you think the Supermoon was really to blame for the earthquake, then why did the earthquake occur a week before the possible lunar stresses on the Earth’s tectonic plates (tidal forces, and to a much smaller extent, the Moon’s perigee) were greatest? Why didn’t it actually happen _on_ March 19th? ---
**Author:** ![FXMastermind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fxmastermind/32/7289_2.png) [@FXMastermind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FXMastermind)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279/679 "2011-03-22T03:41:46Z")
New strong earthquake just happened. Is happening as I type this. According to live TV Not sure what to think. > [@Sakuma\_Drops](#): > > 1. the earthquake occurred at the first quarter moon; it is at first quarter and last quarter that tidal forces on the Earth are the _weakest_. That is a common perceptional error by people that don’t understand what tidal forces are, or the difference between earth tides and ocean tides. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279/680 "2011-03-22T03:46:04Z")
> [@FXMastermind](#): > > New strong earthquake just happened. Is happening as I type this. According to live TV Which live TV? Channel? Network? Country of origin? Because I just hit all my usual news sites and not a one mentions this. > [@](#): > > Not sure what to think. Yeah, we know. ---
**Author:** ![FXMastermind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fxmastermind/32/7289_2.png) [@FXMastermind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FXMastermind)\ **Post date:** [March 22, 2011, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279/681 "2011-03-22T03:50:38Z")
The live Japan TV feed, that I linked to several times already. I don’t know what to think because jap TV is crazy. They just said, in that halting translation way, that it might be oil burning in reactor 3. Now that is really funny. What part of ‘building blew to bits’ and ‘we pumped it full of 1.6 million gallons of water’ do you think causes an oil fire? That puts out white smoke? Those Japanese, they funny. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279.md?page=33) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/large-earthquake-in-northeast-japan/574279.md?page=35)