Tsunami Field Studies | U.S. Geological Survey (original) (raw)
Our tsunami scientists work on international teams to study the aftermath of tsunamis around the world, to gain a better understanding the impact of potential tsunamis on coastal communities of the United States. Their work helps inform local, state, and federal coastal planning, protection, and resiliency.
Tsunamis, what triggers them, how they form, and more
Learn about tsunami triggers and watch computer simulations
Japan tsunami, March 11, 2011
USGS oceanographer Bruce Jaffe stands near debris in Natori, Japan.
Includes older field photos from before the big tsunami (April 2010); eyewitness accounts in California after the tsunami had propagated across the Pacific (March 11, 2011); and reports from USGS scientists who visited Japan after the tsunami (May 2011).
Samoa and American Samoa tsunami, September 29, 2009
USGS oceanographer Bruce Jaffe stands next to a boat thrown ashore in Pago Pago, American Samoa.
USGS scientists study impacts of tsunami
A rapid-response team of USGS scientists traveled throughout American Samoa and Samoa in October and November, 2005, to collect data prior to its degradation or destruction by recovery activity and natural processes.
Sumatra tsunamis, December 26, 2004 and March 28, 2005
USGS scientists traveled twice to Sumatra, the first time in January 2005 immediately after the first earthquake and tsunami, and again in April of 2005 after the second event.
Peru tsunami, June 23, 2001
Photo of tsunami damage in the La Punta District.
Preliminary analysis of sedimentary deposits from the tsunami
In early September 2001, a group of scientists from the United States and Peru cooperated in a study of sediment deposited by the tsunami.
Papua New Guinea tsunami, July 17, 1998
Typical tsunami deposit from Arop transect.
Preliminary analysis of sedimentary deposits from the tsunami
In September and October, scientists collected data, assessed damage to buildings and structures, and examined the sediments left behind by the tsunami. The group included representatives from Japan, the United States, Korea, and Papua New Guinea.