Japan earthquake: What caused Japan's massive tsunami?

11 March 2011 Last updated at 09:28 ET Help

The earthquake which rocked Japan triggered tsunami alerts across the entire Pacific basin, including Russia, Mexico, Hawaii and the entire western US coast.

The area is so volatile, it is often referred to as the "ring of fire".

Measuring 8.9, the earthquake was 8,000 times more powerful than the one that devastated Christchurch in New Zealand in February.

David Shukman reports.

bbc.co.uk navigation

BBC © 2012 The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.

This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.