What is the tectonic setting of the large 2011Tohuku earthquake in Japan?

A) slip along a transform fault that cuts through Japan
B) slip along a transform fault that is just offshore to the north
C) rifting in the Sea of Japan, west of the island
D) slip along a subduction zone megathrust)

Subduction Zone

A region of the Earth's crust where one tectonic plate is being forced under another, often resulting in volcanic activity and earthquakes.

Tectonic Setting

The geological and geographic location in relation to the movements and boundaries of Earth's tectonic plates.

Transform Fault

A type of strike-slip fault where two tectonic plates slide past each other horizontally, commonly found at the boundary between oceanic plates.