Experts say the earthquake that hit central Japan caused land upheavals of more than 2 meters in some places along the Noto Peninsula's northern coast.

A group of researchers has been examining the region. Associate Professor Ishiyama Tatsuya of the University of Tokyo's Earthquake Research Institute is among them.

Members of the group surveyed an area in Wajima City that is about 4 kilometers long. They say they found land upheavals of at least one meter in several locations.

They also say they saw upheavals of up to about 2.2 meters along the coast of the Wajimazaki-machi district. The group says rocky terrain that was likely submerged previously is now above water.

The area formerly had a saltwater swimming pool. Builders created it by drawing seawater into a dug-out section of a rocky reef. But the researchers say the water has dried up completely. The pool is a state-registered tangible cultural asset.

Ishiyama said, "This is probably the first time that such large seismic shifts have been seen. These findings will help us understand the kinds of earthquakes that may occur when active seabed faults shift."

A separate group of experts conducted a survey in Wajima City earlier. They confirmed the quake caused land upheavals of more than 4 meters along the northwestern coast of the peninsula.