Recent developments in earthquake prediction research in Japan

Abstract

Recent research on earthquake prediction in Japan has been carried out mainly in the framework of the "5-year Program on Earthquake Prediction Research" which was first founded by the government in 1965. Some of the latest experiments are precise observation of explosions for detecting a possible velocity change in a tectonically active area, laboratory study of the migration of micro-fractures in rocks under stress, and a deep drilling in the Matsushiro earthquake swarm area. Based upon the outcome of the 5-year program and the experience of several destructive earthquakes encountered during the period, a new 5-year program starting from 1969 was proposed in 1968. The new program which aims at actual predictions of destructive earthquakes emphasizes augmented instrumentation, strategy, and organization.

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