A University of Tokyo research team
has developed a system that will use a next-generation supercomputer to simultaneously predict tremors,
tsunami and movements in the Earth's crust after a massive earthquake occurs. The team, led by Takuto Maeda, an
associate professor at the University of Tokyo's Center of Integrated
Disaster Information Research (CIDIR), has used the new system on a
current-generation supercomputer, which almost succeeded in reconstructing
the aftermath of the Great
East Japan Earthquake on March 11.
The system's usability was confirmed
by its ability to make predictions that were very close to what occurred in
the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake. But the system was
restricted by the processing power of the current-generation supercomputer. A
large amount of data must be processed to simultaneously calculate crustal
movements and tsunami. Current-generation supercomputers lack sufficient storage capacity to
process these calculations, and therefore some data was skipped.
Despite this, the team has further
developed the system to predict more accurate damage in anticipation for its use on the
nation's next-generation supercomputer, known as K, which has a data storage
capacity 100 times greater than the current generation, and will be available
in autumn. As the system can be used to predict detailed damage caused by
multiple disasters, the team is planning to analyze the effect of the
simultaneous occurrence of three big earthquakes known as the Tokai, Tonankai
and Nankai earthquakes.
Meanwhile, the University of Tokyo's
Earthquake Research Institute is planning to develop another system for the K
supercomputer from April that will analyze urban damage caused by earthquakes
and tsunami, such as the collapse of buildings, and predict how certain
regions should be evacuated. The research team also plans to collaborate with the institute.
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VOCABULARY
1. Simultaneously
(adverb) - things
that happen at exactly the same time
Example: The opera will be broadcast simultaneously
on television and radio.
2. Massive
(adj.) - unusually large, powerful, or damaging
Example: massive increases in the number of homeless
3. Aftermath
(noun) - the period of time after something such as a war, storm, or accident
when people are still dealing with the results
Example: In the aftermath of
the fire, many people were in need of shelter.
4. Sufficient
(adj.) - having or providing as much as is needed; enough
Example: There must
be sufficient funds in your bank account to cover the check.
5. Anticipation
(noun) - the act of preparing for something
Example: They hired extra police officers in
anticipation of a big crowd.
6. Collaborate
(verb) - to work with another person or group in order to achieve or do
something
Example: They collaborated
on a book about dogs.
QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION
1. What do you think
about the new system created?
2. Discuss about the
aftermath of the March 2011 earthquake.
3. How can you prepare
for a possible earthquake?
4.
Is your home built to withstand earthquakes?
5.
Where in your house would you hide if there were an earthquake?
