A huge amount of data of a real megaquake was recorded for the first time by Japan's nationwide observation network when the March 11 earthquake and tsunami hit Japan. Analysis of this data revealed some previously unknown mechanisms that generate megaquakes and megatsunamis. Episode 1 explores the Earth's tectonic drama that took place underground and on the sea floor before and after the time of the quake -- precursory, irregular phenomena, chain reactions of earthquakes that happened in an unexpected pattern, and a series of sea floor movements that doubled the tsunami heights. This quake in Japan also triggered earthquakes in Mexico and elsewhere on the Pacific Rim. The tsunami reached as far as Chile and even the Antarctic. This first episode reveals the hitherto unknown mechanisms of a megaquake that literally can rock the world.
Earth could be entering a geologically active phase. Researchers point out that there is ample evidence to suggest this. Now megaquakes may possibly occur at any time anywhere. Furthermore, it has also become clear that megaquakes can trigger another type of major disaster -- volcanic eruption. Episode 2 explores some worst case scenarios of megaquakes in Japan: mega tsunamis that hit coastal cities; catastrophic damage to Tokyo by inland earthquake; and finally, eruption of Mt. Fuji that would lock up the country's economy. The episode also focuses on research using GPS geodetic data in the U.S., Chile, and Japan as a new approach with enormous potential for earthquake prediction.