Preliminary Note on the Great Earthquake of S. E. Japan

Preliminary Note on the Great Earthquake of S. E. Japan on Sept. 1, 1923 (Seismological Notes, No. 6) by A. Imamura Member of the Imperial Earthquake Investigation Committee.

With Plates I-VII

Introduction.

1. The great earthquake which davastated S. E. Japan on Sept. 1, 1923, was by no means the most severe that has visited this country, but perhaps if we search recorded history for seismic disasters of appalling magnitude, not one be found to equal it in the number of lives lost and the amount of property destroyed through its agency. To give precise scientific information concerning it is a matter of absolute necessity; the writer most qualified for this would have been late Prof. Omori but unfortunately he was just previously attending the Pan-Pacific Scientific Conference in Austalia, an his deat ocurred soon after his return. During his absence, he left the duties of the Director of the Seismological Institute, as well as of the President and the Secretary of the Imp. Earthquake Investigation Committee, in my care; and I think I may say that I did my best in re-organizing the Commitee -its office was burnt up with its important papers- in order to carry out the most accurate official investigation. Thus I was obliged to take up the work concerning this information, but I doubt if I can to it satisfactorily.