Japanese seismologists set off for drilling mission at the Nankai Trough - Possible source of a Colossal Earthquake in the very near future

A team of seismologists set off Friday to drill at the Nankai Trough in search for the origin of earthquake. The scientists are also aiming to find out what are the common crust movements just before an earthquake occurs.

The trough, which marks the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate beneath Japan, is believed by experts to be a possible source of a colossal earthquake in the very near future.

Through deep-sea drillship Chikyu, the team of seismologists led by Japan began the expedition off the Kii Peninsula in Honshu.

The mission will take four months, which is the last stage of the project that began in 2007, and will drill 3,600 metres (2.2 miles) beneath the seabed to take crust samples. The seismologists will have a follow-up mission next year which will then drill 5,200 metres deep.