There is an ongoing concern right now that a magnitude 8 earthquale could hit Japan, possibly closer to Tokyo. This expectation is not based upon unreliable "earthquake prediction" methods. It is actually based on considerable experience with aftershocks of major quakes. Since the big quake that hit Sendai was a 9.0 (epicenter located offshore), seismologists feel that is quite reasonable to expect at least one magnitude 8 aftershock, and maybe ten aftershocks around magnitude 7. Also, since the aftershock pattern has been moving southeast (roughly) from the original epicenter, that would put the epicenters of the future quakes closer to Tokyo.

Therefore, don't be surprised to wake up in the next few months, or next couple of years, and hear about a magnitude 8 quake affecting Tokyo. Clearly, this is not an easy time for the Japanese people.

Pete #2