This data tip describes the science behind the tsunamis caused by the great earthquake of December 26, 2004, which caused catastrophic damage and loss of life throughout the Indian Ocean basin. The discussion centers on how tsunamis are generated and how great quakes and resulting tsunamis occur at subducting plate boundaries. Links to more detailed information are embedded in the text. An exercise ... Full description.

This portal, published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), provides links to an extensive set of resources on tsunamis, both worldwide and in the United States. There are links to basic information, news articles, information on the Sumatran tsunami of December 26, 2004, and to a section on the role of NOAA in tsunami forecasting and preparedness. Other links access information ... Full description.

Since the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 26, 2004, scientists have tried to retrace the path of the giant waves to learn how and why the water moved in unexpected directions, even turning corners and producing simultaneous wavefronts coming from different directions. This radio broadcast describes efforts to measure the strength, distance traveled inland, and height of the tsunami, as well as mapping ... Full description.

This report contains true stories that illustrate how to survive (and how not to survive) a tsunami. It is meant for people who live, work, or play along coasts that tsunamis may strike. The stories are personal accounts selected from interviews with people who survived a Pacific Ocean tsunami generated by the magnitude 9.5 earthquake that occurred along the coast of Chile on May 22, 1960. Important ... Full description.

This Why Files article looks at tsunamis in the wake of the July 17, 1998 disaster in Papua New Guinea that killed over a thousand people. Topics covered are: the causes of tsunamis, tsunami movement across the ocean, the history of some killer tsunamis of the last few hundred years, and ways to reduce human vulnerability to tsunamis. Readers can download a movie about how investigators think the ... Full description.

The Alaska Earthquake Information Center contains information on seismology and tsunami research, education and outreach projects, and earthquake preparedness. There are also maps, reports, and a database on recent earthquakes and a map of historical Alaskan earthquakes, active faults, and rupture zones. Full description.

On the Pacific Northwest an oceanic tectonic plate (Juan de Fuca) is being pulled and driven (subducted) beneath the North American continental plate. Earthquakes generated along that fault may produce local tsunamis. Local tsunamis are those generated by earthquakes near the coast. This site provides links to external webpages describing the physics behind a tsunami. Resources featured in the links ... Full description.

USGS provides detailed fact sheets, research reports and case studies of coastal erosion caused by El Nino events in California. Other natural hazards are also covered, including earthquakes, tsunami, and landslides, illustrated with maps, photos, animated simulations, extensive links to resources by experts. Sort by topic to see all entries about coastal issues, environmental issues, mapping and ... Full description.

Located in Beaverton, Oregon, CCALMR addresses, through advances in scientific understanding, technology and education, society's need to manage increased development and manipulation of coasts and land-margins while preserving and enhancing their environmental integrity, and protecting human populations from natural and man-made hazards. Site provides information on faculty, graduate programs, and ... Full description.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Research, conducted primarily through the NOAA Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, drives the NOAA environmental products and services that protect life and property and promote sustainable economic growth. Research, conducted by in-house laboratories and by extramural programs, focuses on enhancing understanding of the environmental phenomena ... Full description.