Tsunamis
Tsunamis are caused by undersea earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides into or beneath the sea. The Indian Ocean tsunami on Boxing Day 2004, killed over 300,000 people.
About 80% of all recorded tsunamis occur in the Pacific Ocean because the Pacific Rim is the most seismically-active region on the planet. A tsunami early warning system has been in place there since 1949.
The last major tsunami in the Indian Ocean occurred in 1883, following the eruption of Krakatoa. The wave was estimated to be 40m high.
Tsunamis in the Atlantic are rare but not impossible. An earthquake in Lisbon in 1755 caused a 12m high tsunami.
A landslide off the coast of Norway 7000 years ago created 25m high waves.
Some scientists believe a volcanic eruption on La Palma in the Canary Islands could cause a gigantic landslide into the sea creating a tsunami 50m high that would sweep around the Atlantic, destroying the eastern seaboard of the USA. Other scientists believe this scenario is unlikely, and the rock will probably slip gradually into the sea rather than completely collapse in one go.
The Indian Ocean will have an early warning system in 2006, and the Atlantic Ocean will get one in 2007.
NERC research
NERC scientists at the British Geological Survey and the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, have been involved in the clear-up operation following the devastating earthquake off the coast of Sumatra, Boxing Day 2004. This work included: mapping the sea floor, advising on the rebuilding of towns and villages, preventing freshwater contamination and, with NERC's Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory and others, creating an early warning system.
Related links
- Press release
Scientists from the British Geological Survey take action after tsunami conference
- Press release
Indian Ocean Tsunami