[뉴스초점] 베네수엘라서 최대 7.5 연쇄 강진…日혼슈북부 6.9 지진 / 연합뉴스TV (YonhapnewsTV)

[Phone Connection: Professor Hong Tae-kyung, Department of Earth System Science, Yonsei University] Two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela in succession on the 24th (local time), raising concerns about tens of thousands of casualties. Meanwhile, about 20 minutes later, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake occurred in Aomori Prefecture, northern Honshu, Japan, on the other side of the globe. We will discuss these matters with Professor Hong Tae-kyung from the Department of Earth System Science at Yonsei University. [Question 1] First, let's talk about the earthquakes in Venezuela. Two powerful earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 occurred in succession. How strong is that in terms of intensity? [Question 2] Is it possible to estimate the scale of the damage? Isn't the scale of damage closely related to the time of occurrence, the location of the epicenter, and the depth of the earthquake? [Question 3] It is reported that many residents were staying at home when the earthquakes struck due to the public holiday, but videos received from the scene show utter chaos. Does Venezuela belong to a seismic zone where earthquakes frequently occur? [Question 4] Given the magnitude of the earthquake, it seems likely that a tsunami would have occurred. Is there a correlation between wave height and earthquake magnitude when a tsunami occurs? [Question 5] Meanwhile, about 20 minutes after the Venezuelan earthquake, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake occurred in Aomori Prefecture in northern Honshu, Japan, around 7:30 AM today. Japan is also a country prone to frequent earthquakes. Do you believe there is a connection between the two earthquakes? [Question 6] There have been several earthquakes in Japan this year. Are there any notable aspects regarding the recent Japanese earthquakes? A magnitude 6.9 earthquake is quite strong; wasn't there a lot of talk about a potential mega-earthquake last year? [Question 7] A week ago, research results were released stating that massive seismic waves generated during the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake struck the Earth's core and returned, causing the entire Japanese archipelago to shift eastward by up to 5–6 mm. [Question 8] It is said that the Korean Peninsula is not a safe zone from earthquakes either. Judging by recent earthquake patterns, what are your thoughts on the possibility that the frequency of earthquakes on the Korean Peninsula will increase, and the likelihood of a strong earthquake of magnitude 6 or higher occurring? ▣ Subscribe to 'Docu-Digging,' Yonhap News TV's specialized documentary channel    / @docu-digging   ▣ Subscribe to the Yonhap News TV YouTube channel    / @yonhapnewstv23   ▣ The beginning of Korean news, Yonhap News TV http://www.yonhapnewstv.co.kr/