Geology topics

Research about Hyōgo Prefecture, Hanshin

Source-linked reports with geographic coverage including Hyōgo Prefecture, Hanshin.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

USGS1996

Seismology, geology, and geotechnical issues

The Hyogoken-Nanbu (Kobe) earthquake of January 17, 1995 (5:46:52 JST) occurred in an area of complex faulting located near Awaji Island and the Hanshin area of Japan (34.607 N, 135.043 E, depth 14.3 km; Japan Meteorological Agency, JMA). The area which is near the urban centers of Kobe City and Osaka is located about 250 km from the Nankai trough, which forms the boundary between the Philippine Sea and Eurasian plates (Figure 2.1.1). The earthquake of magnitude 7.2 (JMA) is the most severe earthquake to affect the region this century. The largest previous earthquake near Kobe City was a magnitude 6.1 which occurred in 1916 on or near the same fault. Other large but distant earthquakes occurred in 1944 and 1946 along the plate boundary (Figure 2.1.1). Numerous faults known to be active in the Quaternary extend throughout the affected region (Figure 2.1.2). However, prior to January 17, 1995 the area was characterized by relatively low seismicity compared with areas near the plate boundaries (Figure 2.1.1). This 1995 earthquake having occurred at considerable distance from the plate margin, can be considered an intraplate event.

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USGS1995

The Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake of January 17, 1995: Performance of lifelines

This report describes the damage to lifelines caused by the 1995 Hanshin-Awaji (Kobe) earthquake in Japan. It begins with a summary of the earthquake's seismological characteristics which is followed by separate chapters that focus on the performance of lifelines in the affected region. In order of presentation, individual chapters discuss the damage to: 1) electric power networks; 2) gas delivery systems; 3) hospitals (considered as a system composed of building/architectural components, as well as communication and support systems); 4) telecommunication systems; 5) transportation systems; and 6) water supply systems and wastewater systems. The transportation section includes three subsections: airport facilities, highways and bridges, and underground rapid transit systems. For each lifeline, an overview of the system is given, indicating the owner/operator, the location and extent of the service area, the number of households and industrial/commercial customers served. In addition to descriptions of the individual system, design criteria for the physical components of the individual systems are provided, including a comparison of the differences between the US and Japanese systems. The performance of each lifeline system is discussed with reference to seismic damage, emergency response, service interruption and restoration.

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USGS1995

Seismological and engineering aspects of the 1995 Hyogoken-Nanbu (Kobe) earthquake

Immediately following the Jan. 17, 1995, Kobe earthquake, a reconnaissance team was organized under the auspices of the Earthquake Hazard Mitigation Program of the Engineering Directorate of the National Science Foundation. The mission of the team was to provide a timely, first-hand overview of the type and extent of the damage, and to provide the necessary background information for future research and for U.S.-Japan cooperation in earthquake engineering. Additional information was gathered through participation in U.S.-Japan seminars and workshops, and through collaboration with researchers and practicing engineers in Japan. The research team has focused its efforts on seismology, strong ground motion, geotechnical engineering, and structural engineering. This report provides summaries of the findings in these subject areas.

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