Does anyone know if there is a good graphic representation of what happened under the sea

[Skidmore]

with the tectonic plates and the effects of the quake on the land above ground as a result of this movement? I need a visual to help me understand.

[ReggieVeggie]

1. here's a quick google

[ReggieVeggie]

2. another

[Skidmore]

3. Thank you.

[uppityperson]

5. Also realize it is not just a wave hitting shore, but backed up by a lot of water/force

rather like a train, not just a normal breaking wave. But one with a train behind it. Think of a 3 foot tall train hitting you. Does that make sense?

[pokerfan]

4. This is from the 2004 Sumatra tsunami

but it's virtually identical to what geologists have described on TV the last couple of days. Just replace "Indian Plate" with "Pacific Plate" and "Burma Plate" with North American Plate."

http://www.earth.northwestern.edu/people/seth/research/sumatra2.html

[On the Road]

6. I Believe It Was Due to a Subduction Zone

in which one plate is sliding under another and gradually builds up pressure. When the crust finally snaps back, the snapback is the earthquake.





In the subduction zone off Japan, the entire fault is underwater. From the following map, it looks like the eastern plate is diving under the West one:

[EstimatedProphet]

7. Not exactly what you're looking for, but related - and interesting

http://nctr.pmel.noaa.gov/honshu20110311/20110311Houshu.mov

An animation of the waves following the earthquake.