Research Article
The Response Spectrum Theory of Seismology Is Wrong
Yuuji Tauchi*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
172-183
Received:
4 September 2025
Accepted:
19 September 2025
Published:
14 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.earth.20251405.11
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Views:
Abstract: The government's new regulatory standards for commercial nuclear power plants stipulate that the standard seismic motion for nuclear power plants is determined by the acceleration response spectrum. This approach treats large earthquakes as a collection of smaller ones and calculates the strength of each frequency of seismic waves reaching a nuclear power plant. The error of this approach is easily apparent when considering the changes that occur as seismic waves travel through geological strata. When seismic waves travel through hard rock, their propagation speed is fast (e.g., 3,000 m/s), resulting in intense vibrations, a short period, and a small Gal number. However, when they enter softer strata, their propagation speed slows (e.g., 200 m/s), resulting in intense vibrations, a long period, and a large Gal number. This is because the distance attenuation formula does not hold. Both the period and Gal number of seismic waves are most affected by the properties of the strata through which they travel. It is surprising that such a simple error has gone unnoticed until now. Even more surprising is the use of the Matsuda formula to determine the design basis earthquake motion (seismic resistance standards) for nuclear power plants. A quick look at Matsuda's graph reveals that the answer is the average value of the Matsuda formula. If the seismic resistance standards were determined based on the average value, half of future earthquakes would exceed the design basis earthquake motion. The design basis earthquake motion for nuclear power plants was exceeded five times in just seven years, from 2005 to 2011. It has been proven five times that if the design basis earthquake motion is determined using the Matsuda formula, future earthquakes will definitely exceed this value. Seismologists not only lack a basic understanding of regression analysis, which first-year university students learn, but they also cannot properly read graphs. For over 50 years, they have been engaged in child's play called research, resulting in the loss of many lives through flawed disaster prevention measures. University research misconduct prevention committees continue to suppress opinions that point out their errors and publish dangerous disaster prevention measures. It is scientifically impossible to establish design basis earthquake motion for nuclear power plants. There is no way to guarantee that nuclear power plants are earthquake-safe. If a nuclear accident were to occur, Japan would become uninhabitable. Nuclear power plants must be shut down and decommissioned as soon as possible.
Abstract: The government's new regulatory standards for commercial nuclear power plants stipulate that the standard seismic motion for nuclear power plants is determined by the acceleration response spectrum. This approach treats large earthquakes as a collection of smaller ones and calculates the strength of each frequency of seismic waves reaching a nuclea...
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Research Article
Geo-environmental Study of Soils Within the Double Landslide Area of Foreke-Dschang (Cameroon Western Highlands)
Evariste Désiré Moundjeu*,
Achille Ibrahim Bienvenu,
Primus Azinwi Tamfuh,
Georges Simplice Kouedeu Kameni,
Rodrigue Kouotetang,
Rodrigue Kenne,
Yap Hassan Mfouapon,
Joseph Guepi Vounang Zetekouang,
Emile Temgoua
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 5, October 2025
Pages:
184-195
Received:
29 July 2025
Accepted:
12 August 2025
Published:
17 October 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.earth.20251405.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Humid tropical mountainous areas are often vulnerable to mass movements and thus necessitate an in-depth study for best management practices. The aim of this work is to characterize the soils of the Foreke-Dschang (Cameroon Western Highlands) double landslide area on a geotechnical and physico-chemical basis. In effect, this area recently experienced a tragic double landslide on 5th November 2024 causing considerable human and material loss. Field work involved landscape analysis, geological description, soil prospection and sample collection (rocks and soils). In the laboratory, rock thin sections were cut and observed under the microscope while soil samples were analyzed by standard procedures. Results indicate that the primary parent material of the soil is a granite-gneissic (basement). The geotechnical study of the soils shows a silty clayey texture, high porosity (>29%), high water saturation rate (>60% water), low cohesion (<0.5 bar) and high angle of internal friction (18°–25°). Such characteristics, alongside steep slopes (>30°), exceptionally heavy rainfall (>2500mm/year) in 2024, low (<2%) organic matter content (due to reconversion of the forest into cropland), vibrations generated by heavy traffic on the National Road No. 4, inappropriate agricultural practices on the slopes and absence of water drainage structures are at the origin of a translational type landslide. The implementation of drainage measures, slope reduction and grassing, construction of retaining walls and geotechnical developments to reinforce the stability of slopes along the road and the implementation of appropriate agroforestry practices are highly recommended to control soil movement.
Abstract: Humid tropical mountainous areas are often vulnerable to mass movements and thus necessitate an in-depth study for best management practices. The aim of this work is to characterize the soils of the Foreke-Dschang (Cameroon Western Highlands) double landslide area on a geotechnical and physico-chemical basis. In effect, this area recently experienc...
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