I can't but wonder if similar dynamics occurred off Chile in South America. I don't recall much information regarding the oceans, coastal communities and fishing industry being interrupted. It would easy to find out.
This picture is on the New York Times front e-page (click title to entry - thank you).
While I believe there is significant damage, I also believe the 'area' effected is limited. The aftershocks are still radiating from the same region without too much migration. So, while this continues the energy waves are still concentrated in a region. That means the repeated 'vibration' will continue to knock this area's infrastructure loose.
The images I am looking at have a lot of 'perspective.' In the picture above there is a tower that provides invaluable dynamics to realiize the size and scope of the dynamics in relation to the infrastructure. I don't know what the engineers of Japan's infrastructure have planned for, but, with repeated 'vibration' exposure it is bound to have a toll.
The whirlpools above are not caused by the earthquake directly. They are caused by the tsunamis from the underwater displacement. They occur because the displaced water 'piles up' in areas and the only resolve to the 'energy' is to move in a circle. The velocity of that circle will determine its dangers. The images I am receiving appear to be that of somewhat ? weak ? but sizeable dynamics. If one realizes there are concrete structures jutting out into the water where these dynamics are playing out, on many occassion the 'energy / wave' dynamics of the whirlpool are interrupted by the structure and DO NOT appear to continue on the other side of that dynamic. So, while these are significant and NO ONE should be seeking a 'thrill moment' in the wake of these whirlpools (YOU WILL DIE.) there is some hope in that the 'power' to destroy is limited.
What I am saying is, the damage is mostly being caused due to 'quantity' of water rather than by 'velocity.' I believe the infrastructure of Japan is defeating quite handily the water dynamics of the ocean and its interaction with land. That isn't true in the 'volume' of the water, but, certainly appears to be in the 'velocity.'
That is not to say there won't be significant death with this earthquake. There will be. Where the Japan infratructure meets with land the impact is significant and the damage to life and limb dramatic. It is realistic to believe there are lives lost that will result in a 'missing person' list.
My sympathy for every person lost and their friends and family.
