Articles tagged with Tsunamis
A team of Australian researchers suggests that a 2.5 million-year-old meteor impact in the Pacific Ocean may have generated a mega-tsunami and plunged the world into the Ice Ages. The Eltanin meteor, up to two kilometers across, crashed into deep water, potentially destabilizing the planet's climate system.
Researchers found that X- and Y-shaped ocean waves, predicted by mathematical equations, can form in shallow water near low tide. These nonlinear wave interactions can significantly increase a tsunami's destructive power.
A University of Missouri scientist suggests that earthquake hazard maps often fail due to bad assumptions, data, physics, and luck. Developing better maps and alerting people to their limitations could potentially save lives and money in areas prone to earthquakes.
A study found sharp increases in heart failure and pneumonia following the Japanese earthquake, while stroke and cardio-pulmonary arrest rates followed seismic peaks. Blood pressure was also elevated, but medication disruptions may have contributed to cardiovascular events.
A new study explores the largest kill-off in Earth history, shedding light on the competing roles of tectonics and climate in shaping landscapes. Researchers also investigate the early diagenesis of sulfur in a tropical upwelling system and uncover the origins of belemnites, a group of Mesozoic cephalopods.
A CSHL-led team has developed a new method to model human genetic diseases caused by errors in RNA splicing. The approach, called TSUNAMI, uses targeted 'negative ASOs' to cause missplicing and pathogenesis, offering a unique window into disease progression.
A team of scientists is investigating the hazard posed by landslide-tsunamis in the Arctic to the UK over the next 100 to 200 years. The study aims to clarify the frequency and timing of major Arctic submarine slides and assess their impact on human society and infrastructure.
A comprehensive study of tsunamis in Northwestern California has been compiled by UCSB scientists, revealing evidence of smaller strong-to-major earthquakes and larger quakes that involved the regional subduction zone. The research provides valuable insights into the region's seismic activity and potential for future tsunami events.
A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters suggests that GPS on commercial ships could detect tsunamis with high accuracy, even in open ocean. This could provide critical data for predicting tsunami size and direction, saving lives and reducing costs associated with evacuations.
Researchers found that the earthquake's aftermath saw the resurgence of species on sandy beaches, while coastal armoring led to beach loss and decline in intertidal diversity. The study highlights the potential effects of natural disasters on sandy beach ecosystems worldwide.
The study found that Chile's sandy beaches experienced lasting changes due to the earthquake and tsunami, with uplifted beaches showing rapid recolonization of intertidal species. The data provides insight into human-altered coastal landscapes, which could inform future projects.
A collaborative study found that earthquakes and tsunamis can revive habitats and bring back species thought extinct, while also exacerbating coastal erosion. The research highlights the importance of preserving sandy beaches as barriers against sea level rise and conservation.
Researchers in The Journal of Geology found that plain ocean waves, aided by strong storms, can move giant boulders inland. By comparing old maps to modern photos, the team showed that sections of the ridges have moved significantly since 1839.
Scientists at GFZ used high-precision GPS data to determine earthquake magnitude and tsunami source in under 3 minutes. A GPS shield concept can provide accurate tsunami early warnings for regions with earthquake risks, correcting traditional seismic method limitations.
New research from Aachen University suggests the Possidi peninsula in northern Greece is at risk of significant tsunami waves due to its proximity to earthquake-prone areas. The study also highlights the need for updated tsunami hazard calculations, particularly in densely populated and tourist regions.
Scientists present latest seismological research on earthquake hazards in San Diego, focusing on the Rose Canyon fault system and offshore faults. The study aims to improve understanding of seismic hazard and define a level of hazard for future large earthquakes.
The Pacific Northwest Tsunami Evacuation Zones online portal and free apps provide an at-a-glance view of tsunami hazard zones along the coasts of Oregon and Washington. Planning tools like this are essential to safeguarding lives and property.
Researchers will use hydrodynamic computer modeling to evaluate tsunami currents and their effects on ports and harbors in California. The study aims to create hazard maps and determine safe evacuation depths to mitigate damage caused by these late-arriving surges.
Georgia Tech associate professor Hermann Fritz and his team are studying the impact of the 2011 Tohoku tsunami on the Sanriku coast using terrestrial laser scanners and eyewitness video. They have mapped the tsunami's height and flood zone, which could produce flooding forecasts to influence evacuation plans and building designs.
An independent investigation panel found that Japan's government and Tokyo Electric Power Company were unprepared for the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident. The panel's report highlights human errors and systemic failures, including a lack of disaster planning and inadequate training.
China's 2008 Wenchuan earthquake exposed significant shortcomings in emergency preparation, including inadequate risk awareness and disaster prevention plans. The country has made progress in forming coordination systems and providing effective medical care, but research is needed to improve response times and treatment procedures.
A recent study by a University of Nevada, Reno geophysicist presents evidence that the Cascadia fault line could experience stronger ground-motions than observed in Japan's Tohoku earthquake. The risk is a grim reminder for those living in the Pacific Northwest to be prepared for an earthquake and tsunami.
A symposium on disaster recovery will focus on the importance of community preparation and collaboration in overcoming emergency hardships. The event aims to provide insights into strategies for resilience and faster recovery times.
Researchers will monitor the Cascadia subduction zone's strain buildup using a new seafloor geodesy observatory. This data will aid in modeling fault slip and predicting tsunami heights, ultimately informing city planners and emergency response managers.
A new method called MutMap enables plant scientists and breeders to develop new crop varieties in a year rather than five to ten years.
NOAA scientists predict debris from the Japanese tsunami may reach US shores this winter, posing a challenge for responders to track and predict its location. The agency is coordinating with partners to collect data and prepare for various scenarios.
Researchers found that a 'merging tsunami' doubled in intensity over rugged ocean ridges, amplifying its destructive power before reaching shore. This discovery helps explain how tsunamis can cross ocean basins to cause massive destruction at some locations while leaving others unscathed.
The University of Washington is developing an early earthquake warning system with a $2 million grant from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. The system will place sensors along the coast to record the first signals from a major earthquake on the Cascadia subduction zone, providing warning for very large coastal earthquakes.
The Lancet Series proposes human-security based reforms to maintain Japan's universal health coverage. Local governments must take more responsibility for healthcare resources and funding, while consolidated institutions will improve physician quality and provide opportunities for domestic and global health experts to interact.
Despite having one of the best health systems in the world, Japan's development assistance for health budget is only 2% of its foreign aid budget. The country must take center stage in global health to help other countries. Japan has the potential to make substantial contributions to global health by sharing its expertise and increasin...
Scientists have successfully observed a tsunami using high-frequency radar, which can detect changes in ocean currents and track wave movement. This innovation could lead to improved early warning systems for coastal regions like Southeast Asia and the East Coast.
A NASA scientist and her colleagues observed for the first time that an earthquake and tsunami can break off large icebergs a hemisphere away. The Tohoku Tsunami in 2011 caused massive waves to reach Antarctica, calving off several chunks of ice that equaled about two times the surface area of Manhattan.
Researchers recorded tsunami airglow signature using camera system in Maui, Hawaii, one hour before the event. The observation confirms a theory that tsunamis can produce atmospheric gravity waves detectable by satellite imaging.
A thick plateau of hard, compacted sediments helped spread the rupture from tens of kilometers below to just a few kilometers below, unleashing larger tsunami waves. The study suggests locations with large thicknesses of sediments may promote more significant tsunamis during great earthquakes.
Researchers discovered a unique sequence of geologic events that triggered Japan's devastating tsunami, including an unusual 'two-faced' rupture on the fault plane and extreme dynamic overshoot. This finding highlights the need to better understand similar earthquakes in other subduction zones around the world.
Professor Richard Wakeford critiques the comparison of Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station to Chernobyl, highlighting key differences in radiological hazard and Japanese authorities' response. He notes that lessons learned from Chernobyl have guided actions taken in Fukushima, including evacuation zones and iodine tablets.
The study found that Twitter users in disaster-stricken areas tended to tweet about their unsafe situation, while those in remote areas posted updates to let their followers know they were safe. The researchers also identified numerous unreliable retweets and low signal-to-noise ratio for messages using hashtags.
Projections predict tsunami debris will spread out eastward, reaching Northwestern Hawaiian Islands in a year and US West Coast in three years. The debris will then enter the North Pacific Garbage Patch, where it will break into smaller pieces.
Researchers developed a new system, RTerg, that can identify tsunami earthquakes in real-time, giving local residents minutes to evacuate. The system uses algorithmic tools to analyze seismic data and sends alerts to warning centers, potentially saving lives.
McGill researchers develop a cheap, portable paper-based filter to produce clean drinking water in emergency situations. The filter, coated with silver nanoparticles, is able to kill nearly all bacteria and produce water that meets EPA standards.
Researchers study island settlements to understand human resilience and capacity for colonization. Mobility, social networks, and knowledge of the local environment helped indigenous people survive in the face of natural disasters and climate change. The findings inform how we adapt to vulnerabilities and rebound from catastrophes.
A new satellite-based global map of mangrove forests reveals they make up less than previously thought, sparking motivation for stronger conservation efforts. The map also shows 75% of the world's mangroves are concentrated in just 15 countries.
Research finds that tsunamis can be triggered by moderate earthquakes on strike-slip faults, posing a significant threat to coastal cities. In Haiti's case, three-quarters of tsunamis are generated by submarine landslides, unlike the previously estimated 3% globally.
Scientists have used a new seismic method to investigate the collision process between India and Tibet, revealing a more pronounced boundary between rigid lithosphere and softer asthenosphere. The study provides insights into the processes involved in the collision and aims to reduce earthquake risk in the region.
A magnitude-8.1 earthquake triggered two major quakes of magnitude 7.8 within two minutes, affecting Samoa, American Samoa, and Tonga, with water levels reaching 49 feet above sea level
A magnitude-8.1 earthquake triggered two major quakes of magnitude 7.8 within two minutes, revealing a unprecedented pattern in the Samoa-Tonga region. The study suggests that normal fault earthquakes can trigger subduction zone quakes, affecting tsunami hazard calculations globally.
Two studies on Sri Lankan youths who survived the 2004 tsunami and civil war found that traumatic events and daily stressors like domestic violence have a significant impact on their psychological health. Researchers highlight the need for holistic policies and programs to reduce ongoing stressors.
Geologists found a lower density fault zone in the 2004 Sumatra earthquake, allowing it to slip over a longer segment and reach closer to the seafloor, generating larger tsunami waves. The study's findings could help improve hazard assessment and mitigation for this region.
An international team of scientists studied two Sumatra earthquakes, finding differences in sediment composition between the rupture areas. This difference may have contributed to a larger tsunami in the 2004 event, highlighting the potential for high tsunami hazards in this region.
The city of Cannon Beach is building a 9,800-square-foot structure designed to withstand earthquakes and tsunamis, with a cost of $4 million. The structure could shelter up to 1,500 people and serve as a model for other cities affected by tsunamis.
New analysis by Oregon State University scientists suggests a high probability of a magnitude 8.2 or higher earthquake in the Cascadia Subduction Zone, with 37% chance in southern segment and 10-15% in northern segment within 50 years. This risk is exacerbated by clusters of major earthquakes occurring every 250 years.
Researchers developed a mathematical model that identifies the top 10 locations for tsunami detection buoys and sea-level monitors in the Indian Ocean. This could save time and money, as well as provide warning to more people in the event of a devastating tsunami.
Scientists are conducting an expedition to study the rupture site of the 8.8-magnitude Chilean earthquake, mapping changes in the seafloor and searching for evidence of tsunami formation. The research will provide valuable insights into similar earthquake regions worldwide and inform tsunami warning systems.
Stanford researchers recommend vertical evacuation as a safer alternative to fleeing tsunamis, but only if buildings are reinforced to withstand both earthquakes and tsunamis. The approach could save thousands of lives, especially in cities like Padang where residents live in high-risk zones.
A team of researchers found that community-based education and awareness programs minimized the death toll from the recent Samoan tsunami. The study suggests that tsunami education, awareness, and evacuation exercises played a crucial role in containing the death toll, with most people evacuated after experiencing an earthquake.
This November 2009 GSA Today article features research on microbial mats as evidence for early life, sag pond deposits that reveal seismic activity, and the formation of ooids in ancient sediments. Hillslope weathering patterns are also explored in relation to climate change.
Researchers documented tsunami-caused erosion in the Kuril Islands and found that waves can carry away nearly 50 times more sand and soil than they deposit. The study provides detailed insights into the scope of tsunami-induced erosion and its relationship with wave force and topography.
Research by Dr. Beverly Goodman exposed geological evidence of four tsunami events at Caesarea, including one from the Santorini volcano eruption in 1500 BC and others caused by underwater landslides. The findings suggest that local tsunamis could have reached 5 meters high and damaged coastal communities.
Yumei Wang, a geotechnical engineer, proposes tsunami evacuation buildings in the Pacific Northwest to mitigate the risk of massive tsunamis. The buildings would provide safe spaces for emergency response and long-term recovery, with estimated costs ranging from $1 million to $2 million.
A 2004 Sumatran earthquake may have weakened a portion of California's San Andreas Fault, changing its fault strength and potentially triggering increased global seismic activity. The study, published in Nature, examined seismic records from Parkfield, Calif., and found repeated microearthquakes occurred near the fault