In 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Japan, causing a devastating tsunami. The earthquake occurred at a convergent plate boundary where the Pacific Plate meets the Eurasian Plate.

Which process caused this earthquake?

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Question

In 2011, a magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck off the coast of Japan, causing a devastating tsunami. The earthquake occurred at a convergent plate boundary where the Pacific Plate meets the Eurasian Plate.

Which process caused this earthquake?

Accepted Answer

The Pacific Plate being subducted beneath the Eurasian Plate — Award 1 mark for identifying subduction as the process at this destructive plate boundary. A is incorrect — horizontal sliding occurs at conservative boundaries, not the Japan Trench. C is incorrect — plates moving apart occurs at constructive boundaries. D is incorrect — hotspot volcanism is not associated with the Japan Trench; this is a subduction zone.

Answer

The Pacific Plate being subducted beneath the Eurasian Plate

Answer

Magma rising through a hotspot in the Pacific Plate

Answer

The Pacific Plate and Eurasian Plate moving apart

Answer

The Pacific Plate sliding horizontally past the Eurasian Plate

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