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Faultline Could Doom Mt. Fuji

If it shifts, parts of mountain could collapse, say scientists

By John Johnson,  Newser Staff

Posted May 11, 2012 5:23 PM CDT

(Newser) – Because Japan apparently didn't have enough to worry about in the natural-disaster department: Seismologists have discovered a faultline underneath iconic Mt. Fuji near Tokyo, and one bad shift could send parts of the mountain tumbling toward the sea, reports AFP. Tests from a three-year study suggest the fault could trigger an earthquake with a magnitude of 7. The fault apparently has shifted at least once within the last million years.

"It's possible that (parts of) the mountain could collapse with mudslides flowing to Gotemba," says one of the scientists, referring to a Japanese city between the mountain and the Pacific Ocean.

Japan's Mt. Fuji rising behind Tokyo's Shinjuku area.
Japan's Mt. Fuji rising behind Tokyo's Shinjuku area.   (Getty Images)
Mount Fuji in Japan has a worrisome faultline.
Mount Fuji in Japan has a worrisome faultline.   (Getty Images)
Mount Fuji as seen from Tokyo.
Mount Fuji as seen from Tokyo.   (AP Photo/Kyodo News)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
Doctor-Zaius
May 12, 2012 8:28 PM CDT
 I've seen this one. That's where Mothra laid her egg.
Tscare
May 12, 2012 2:10 AM CDT
They are incorrect,or down playing the worries Japan,as we know it,will face a megaquake within a few years,how do I know this? Simply,the amount of activity has gone up steadily (Somethings going on) So,if really mount fiji is not what we have to worry about right noww!
Edgar
May 12, 2012 12:48 AM CDT
GOP again
 

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