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Japan isn’t quite where it once was. Scientists say a newly recognized seismic event is to blame
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· June 23, 2026
· 1 min read
By Katie Hunt, CNN
(CNN) — When massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake shook Japan on March 11, 2011, the ground also made a more lasting move. About 15 minutes after the event began at 2:46 p.m. local time, nearly the entire country shifted eastward, according to GPS station measurements.
The lurc...
Key takeaway 0 magnitude earthquake shook Japan on March 11, 2011, the ground also made a more lasting move.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The discovery of Japan's subtle yet permanent shift after the 2011 earthquake may seem like a distant event, but it has implications for El Paso 's own understanding of seismic activity. As a city located near the Rio Grande Rift, a zone of extensional tectonic activity, El Paso is not immune to earthquakes. While the city's seismic risks are often overshadowed by those of more seismically active regions like California, the study's findings on deep-diving waves and their effects on tectonic plates could inform local earthquake risk assessments. El Paso's unique geology, with its mix of volcanic and sedimentary rocks, makes it an interesting case study for seismologists. As researchers continue to analyze the data from the 2011 Japanese earthquake, El Paso's own seismic monitoring efforts may benefit from a deeper understanding of these complex geological processes, ultimately contributing to more effective earthquake preparedness and mitigation strategies in the region.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 1 min
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What is this story about? By Katie Hunt, CNN
(CNN) — When massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake shook Japan on March 11, 2011, the ground also made a more lasting move. About 15 minutes after the event began at 2:46 p.m. local time, nearly the entire country shifted eastward, according to GPS station measurements.
The lurc...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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