The 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan was a powerful magnitude 9.0 earthquake that triggered a series of devastating tsunamis. The earthquake and tsunami caused widespread damage and loss of life, and led to a reevaluation of the seismic risks in Japan and around the world.

Prior to the Tohoku earthquake, scientists had estimated that the maximum magnitude earthquake that could occur in the region was around 8.3. However, the Tohoku earthquake exceeded this estimate, and experts now recognize that larger earthquakes are possible in this region.

In the aftermath of the Tohoku earthquake, scientists have updated their assessments of seismic risks and hazard mapping in Japan and other regions of the world. This has led to stricter building codes and other measures to improve resilience to earthquakes and tsunamis.

However, there is still more work to be done to fully understand the potential for large earthquakes and tsunamis and reduce the risks they pose.