Record-breaking ocean drilling reveals why Japan's 2011 tsunami was so deadly

A groundbreaking study has unveiled a previously unknown geological weakness beneath the Pacific Ocean that explains the extreme destruction caused by Japan's 2011 tsunami. By drilling to unprecedented depths, scientists found an ancient, slippery layer of clay that facilitated the rapid spread of the earthquake's energy to the ocean floor, resulting in massive seafloor displacement and an exceptionally powerful tsunami. This discovery not only sheds light on the mechanisms behind such natural disasters but also underscores the importance of deep-sea geological research for better disaster preparedness and prevention.