{
  "id": 19058874,
  "title": "Radiocarbon analysis uncovers possible traces of hidden earthquakes off Japan's coast",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/09/radiocarbon-analysis-uncovers-possible-traces-of-hidden-earthquakes",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-09T01:00:01.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Phys.org",
    "slug": "phys-org",
    "url": "https://phys.org/news/2026-11-radiocarbon-analysis-uncovers-hidden-earthquakes.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Researchers at the University of Tokyo have utilized a novel form of radiocarbon analysis on a sediment core from the Kumano Sea, located off Japan's coast. This innovative approach has uncovered multiple traces of previously unknown earthquakes in the Nankai Trough, an area considered to be a likely site for Japan's next major earthquake. By reconstructing a more precise historical record, scientists aim to enhance their ability to predict future geophysical events and prepare for potential disasters. The study, published in the journal Radiocarbon, highlights the importance of understanding Earth's past to better prepare for the future, especially as another megaquake is expected to occur within the next 30 years.",
  "summary": "Researchers at the University of Tokyo have used a new type of radiocarbon analysis to study a sediment core taken from the Kumano Sea off the coast of Japan. This has revealed multiple \"hidden\" traces of previously unknown earthquakes in the Nankai Trough, where the country's next megaquake is expected to occur. Reconstructing a more accurate picture of the past will help predict future…",
  "key_points": [
    "Researchers use radiocarbon analysis on Kumano Sea sediment core.",
    "Traces of unknown earthquakes discovered in Nankai Trough.",
    "Study enhances prediction of future geophysical events."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}