1. Understanding… To promote scientific understanding and safety in the Caribbean.

2. Seismic Research Centre Monitor – Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Tsunamis Mitigate – Provide contributing governments with maps and information on geologic hazards. Educate – Support disaster management agencies with public education efforts.

4. What are they? Tsunami Tsunami => tsu (harbor) + nami (wave). Tsunami Tsunami => a series of ocean waves caused by an abrupt disturbance of the ocean floor that displaces a large mass of water. Waves radiate outward in all directions from the disturbance, and can propagate across entire ocean basins. NOT a “tidal wave” NOT a “tidal wave”

5. ANIMATION

6. Wavelength Wavelength : the distance from one crest of the tsunami to the next Inundation Inundation : the maximum distance inland from the normal coastline reached by the tsunami or maximum area covered by the water Runup: Runup: maximum height onshore reached by tsunami Terminology

7. 1. GENERATION 2. PROPOGATION 3. INUNDATION Tsunamis evolve through 3 stages; Refraction and shoaling funnel the waves energy into a dangerously high wall of water SHOALING REFRACTION

9. Earthquakes Tsunamis are primarily associated with earthquakes occurring below or near the ocean floor. Earthquakes generate tsunamis when the sea floor abruptly shifts causing a sudden displacement of the overlying water from its equilibrium position. Waves form as the displaced water mass, which acts under the influence of gravity, attempts to regain its equilibrium.

10. Source of Threats Local/Regional: Generated nearby Strikes shore quickly (in minutes) NO TIME NO TIME for official evacuation  Education & Awareness  Recognize the warning signs Distant/Ocean-wide/Tele-tsunamis Generated far away, instr detection Strikes shore later (2+ hours) TIME TIME for official evacuation  Widespread Damage  Tsunami Warning Center => people-centered response with locally-guided safety actions

11. Volcanic eruptions may cause tsunamis in a number of ways - all impact the water to create displacement of the ocean generating tsunami waves. Volcanic eruptions Explosions, pyroclastic flows Lateral blasts ….could trigger tsunamis. Debris avalanche

12. Violent submarine volcanic eruptions can create an impulsive force that uplifts the water column and generates a tsunami. The eruption of Kick ‘em Jenny submarine volcano on July 24 1939 generated a tsunami which had an amplitude of 1-2 meters in Northern Grenada, Southern Grenadines Barbados – run up was sufficient enough to flood roads on the west coast. Another Kick ‘em Jenny eruption on October 30, 1965, produced a minor tsunami. Background photo: Submarine volcanic eruption off the coast of Tonga (March 2009) Submarine Volcanic eruptions

13. Submarine Landslides Tsunamis generated are usually, though not always, associated with earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Since the source of landslides is near shore - the warning time may be only a few minutes. Can occur when a tectonic trigger causes the ocean floor to slump or when huge chunks of glaciers, volcanoes or other debris slides crash into the sea. When the ocean bottom crumbles in an underwater landslide, the moving dirt can push water in front of it and create a tsunami wave. Whether they are submarine or coastal, landslides can cause massive tsunamis and have devastating local effects. The largest tsunami ever reported in the Caribbean was probably a landslide- generated tsunami, located off the northern coast of Guadeloupe, part of a far- reaching 1867 earthquake event.

14. Cosmic-body impacts such as:  Asteriods  Meteorites  Comets can also disturb the water but from above, as momentum from falling debris is transferred to the water being displaced hundred thousand years! Evidence suggests that an impact on the order of a 10-megaton explosion could occur once every few hundred thousand years! Other possible causes Artist impression

15. Be Tsunami Smart!

16. Implement an End-to-End System Checklist: Checklist:

17. Components of a Hazard Reduction Strategy Assessment:  Historical studies, field surveys, numerical simulation (bathymetry), GIS DB => historical database, inundation maps, risk & vulnerability, evacuation maps Warning Guidance:  Monitoring networks, numerical simulation => early detection, real-time data, wave forecast, warning dissemination Mitigation - Preparedness:  Education, Communication, Planning & Preparedness, Engineering (Structural/Non-Structural) Be Tsunami Smart

18. Before Before a Tsunami you are Know how far you are from the coast quickest route Learn the quickest route to get to high ground know how to detect tsunami signs Ensure that you and your family know how to detect tsunami signs Have an emergency plan and emergency supplies Be Tsunami Smart BEFORE BEFORE

19. Tsunamis can sometimes be detected by its natural warning signs using human senses.FEEL Do you FEEL the ground shaking so severely that standing is difficult? Sensing Sensing a Tsunami Be Tsunami Smart FEEL FEEL

20. SEE Do you SEE an unusual withdrawal of the sea exposing rocks, reefs or fish? HEAR Do you HEAR the loud roar of the waves? Be Tsunami Smart SEE-HEAR SEE-HEAR

21. Often the first sign is an Earthquake Followed by a withdrawal of the sea. Sri Lanka, 26 th December 2004 Image shows “drawback” or withdrawal of water exposing ~150 meters of temporary beach Photo: www.digitalglobe.comwww.digitalglobe.com ~150m withdrawal of the sea Be Tsunami Smart

22. Then returns like a rapidly-rising tide. Never go to the beach to wait and watch for a tsunami. Never go to the beach to wait and watch for a tsunami. If you can see the wave, you are already too close to outrun it. If you can see the wave, you are already too close to outrun it. Remember the first wave may NOT be the last or largest. Remember the first wave may NOT be the last or largest. Be Tsunami Smart RUN RUN

23. The first surge of a tsunami is often not the largest. Do not return to the beach until the “All- Clear” is issued by authorities. If you FEEL, SEE, HEAR a tsunami coming RUN RUN for high ground as fast as you can! Be Tsunami Smart DO NOT RETURN Be Tsunami Smart DO NOT RETURN

24. During a Tsunami A survivor re-enacts his escape from the wave by climbing a small tree on one of the islands of Papua New Guinea 1998 Be Tsunami Smart Tsunamis may occur without the initial pulling back of the sea. In this case, a massive wall of water may be seen approaching the coast. If you cannot get to higher ground go to: an upper floor/roof of a building or climb a tall strong tree.

25. After a tsunami Stay tuned to a battery operated radio for the latest emergency information Help injured or trapped persons and persons requiring special assistance (infants, elderly) Do not move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for medical assistance. Stay out of damaged buildings. Check for electrical shorts and live wires, gas leaks, damage to sewage and water lines. Check food supplies and have tap water tested by the local health department Throw out perishable and contaminated food items. Be Tsunami Smart

26. Remember Practice evacuation plans with your friends and family. Teach your friends and family about the tsunami hazards and natural warning signs Always keep an emergency supply stock of items like first aid kit, canned foods, clean water and batteries for flashlights or radios.

27. As dangerous as tsunamis are they do not happen very often. You should not let this hazard diminish your enjoyment of the beach and beauty of the ocean. But if you think a tsunami is coming, tell your friends and relatives and move quickly inland and to higher ground!