An earthquake occurred in Japan at 05:31 (JST) Saturday morning (20:31 GMT Friday) at approximately 26 degrees North, 128 degrees East, in the Okinawa-honto Kinkai (Ryukyu Islands) region.

According to the Japan Meteorological Society (JMS), the depth of the earthquake was approximately 10 km, and the magnitude was 6.9. The US Geological Survey posted slightly different figures.

Tsunami warnings were issued, but the JMS cancelled all warnings and advisories within two hours. According to Associated Press no major damage occurred and no casualties were reported.

Japan is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries. It is situated along the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” an arc, stretching from New Zealand, north and east across to Alaska and south along the edges of North and South America.  This arc defines the borders of the Pacific Plate and other major tectonic plates, whose movement produces frequent volcanic and seismic (earthquake) activity.

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Earthquake, japan, Pacific ring of fire, tectonic plates