Liquefaction damages in inland area caused by the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake

Abstract

The occurrences of liquefaction damages in inland area caused by the 2011 off the Pacific coast of Tohoku Earthquake were observed and mapped on the basis of field survey and Google Earth images interpretation. In the tone river lowland, the results of GIS analysis and old edition maps which have been published since the Meiji era indicate that a large number of the liquefied sites are located on reclaimed land of former river channels and lakes, and flood plain (backmarsh). These liquefied sites had been reclaimed during 1950 to 1970. We should pay attention to micro-topography and detailed land history in case of mapping the hazard risk of liquefaction damages.