Earth ID: 12560

Tsunami Study Challenges Long-held Formation Theory

Released on April 26, 2017

A new NASA study is challenging a long-held theory on how tsunamis form and offering a new method for forecasting the powerful waves.

Most tsunamis result from a massive shifting of the seafloor -- usually from the subduction, or sliding, of one tectonic plate under another during an earthquake.

Using a large wave tank, researchers simulated horizontal land displacements and found that it can contribute significantly to the strength of some tsunamis.

Credits

Kathryn Mersmann (USRA): Lead Producer
Samson K. Reiny (Wyle Information Systems): Lead Writer
Yuhe Song (NASA/JPL CalTech): Scientist

Please give credit for this item to:
NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

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Keywords:
SVS >> HDTV
DLESE >> Natural hazards
DLESE >> Physical oceanography
GCMD >> Earth Science >> Oceans >> Ocean Waves >> Tsunamis
NASA Science >> Earth

GCMD keywords can be found on the Internet with the following citation: Olsen, L.M., G. Major, K. Shein, J. Scialdone, S. Ritz, T. Stevens, M. Morahan, A. Aleman, R. Vogel, S. Leicester, H. Weir, M. Meaux, S. Grebas, C.Solomon, M. Holland, T. Northcutt, R. A. Restrepo, R. Bilodeau, 2013. NASA/Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Earth Science Keywords. Version 8.0.0.0.0