Earthquake sensors in Michigan Tech's geological and mining engineering and sciences department picked up the earthquake in Japan about 12.5 minutes after it happened, as shown in this chart. The large vibrations reveal the magnitude and length of the quake; the smaller jumps in the bars below show the aftershocks. 

Researchers Create Near-Real-Time Map of Japan Quake Aftershocks

Released: 3/11/2011 12:45 PM EST
Source: Texas Tech University

Newswise — Researchers at Texas Tech University’s Center for Geospatial Technologies have created a near-real-time map of the aftershocks occurring globally following the 8.9 magnitude earthquake that rocked Japan Friday.

Kevin Mulligan, director of the center, said the map was developed today following a lack of new information presented on major news outlets. The map connects to near-real-time remote feeds from the United States Geological Survey’s Earthquake Hazards Center and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Tsunami Warning Center.

“This map is a dynamic map surface that shows the distribution of recent earthquakes from a USGS live remote feed,” Mulligan said. “It provides map information, satellite imagery and location of recent earthquakes. As part of this major earthquake, there are hundreds of aftershocks that follow.”

The news media can use images from this map with proper attribution. The map site can be viewed atmapserver.gis.ttu.edu/japanquake/.