Drift logs stranded by 1957 tsunami in Stardust Bay, Sedanka Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. From the study A 700-year rupture sequence of great eastern Aleutian earthquakes from tsunami modeling of stratigraphic records.
Could a large tsunami happen in the United States?
Large tsunamis have occurred in the United States and will undoubtedly occur again.
Significant earthquakes around the Pacific rim have generated tsunamis that struck Hawaii, Alaska, and the U.S. west coast. One of the largest and most devastating tsunamis that Hawaii has experienced was in 1946 from an earthquake along the Aleutian subduction zone. Runup heights reached a maximum of 33 to 55 feet and killed 159 people. The tsunami generated by the 1964 magnitude 9.2 earthquake in the Gulf of Alaska (Prince William Sound) caused damage and loss of life across the Pacific, including Alaska, Hawaii, California, Oregon, and Washington.
Since the only major tsunami-generating subduction zones in the Atlantic Ocean are along the Caribbean Sea, tsunamis in the Atlantic have been relatively infrequent. The most noteworthy tsunami resulted from the 1929 magnitude 7.3 Grand Banks earthquake near Newfoundland. The maximum tsunami runup was 6 to 23 feet, which was concentrated on the coast of Newfoundland, although it was recorded as far south as South Carolina. A couple of tsunamis reported from Caribbean earthquakes had runups of less than 3 feet.
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Related
Is there a system to warn populations of an imminent occurrence of a tsunami?
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) maintains the U.S. Tsunami Warning Centers, and work in conjunction with USGS seismic networks to help determine when and where to issue tsunami warnings. Also, if an earthquake meets certain criteria for potentially generating a tsunami, the pop-up window and the event page for that earthquake on the USGS Latest Earthquakes Map will include a...
What are tsunamis?
Tsunamis are ocean waves triggered by: Large earthquakes that occur near or under the ocean Volcanic eruptions Submarine landslides Onshore landslides in which large volumes of debris fall into the water Scientists do not use the term "tidal wave" because these waves are not caused by tides. Tsunami waves are unlike typical ocean waves generated by wind and storms, and most tsunamis do not "break"...
What is it about an earthquake that causes a tsunami?
Although earthquake magnitude is one factor that affects tsunami generation, there are other important factors to consider. The earthquake must be a shallow marine event that displaces the seafloor. Thrust earthquakes (as opposed to strike slip) are far more likely to generate tsunamis, but small tsunamis have occurred in a few cases from large (i.e., > M8) strike-slip earthquakes. Note the...
What is the difference between a tsunami and a tidal wave?
Although both are sea waves, a tsunami and a tidal wave are two different and unrelated phenomena. A tidal wave is a shallow water wave caused by the gravitational interactions between the Sun, Moon, and Earth ("tidal wave" was used in earlier times to describe what we now call a tsunami.) A tsunami is an ocean wave triggered by large earthquakes that occur near or under the ocean, volcanic...
How do landslides cause tsunamis?
Tsunamis are large, potentially deadly and destructive sea waves, most of which are formed as a result of submarine earthquakes. They can also result from the eruption or collapse of island or coastal volcanoes and from giant landslides on marine margins. These landslides, in turn, are often triggered by earthquakes. Tsunamis can be generated on impact as a rapidly moving landslide mass enters the...
Drift logs stranded by 1957 tsunami in Stardust Bay, Sedanka Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska.
Drift logs stranded by 1957 tsunami in Stardust Bay, Sedanka Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. From the study A 700-year rupture sequence of great eastern Aleutian earthquakes from tsunami modeling of stratigraphic records.
Animated GIF of Cascadia 1700 tsunami simulation at Salmon River, Oregon
Animated GIF of Cascadia 1700 tsunami simulation at Salmon River, Oregon. Colored dots are locations where sediment cores were collected.
Animated GIF of Cascadia 1700 tsunami simulation at Salmon River, Oregon. Colored dots are locations where sediment cores were collected.
Tsunami Evacuation Route Sign
Tsunami Evacuation Route Sign
Barry Arm of Harriman Fjord, Prince William Sound, Alaska
Barry Arm of Harriman Fjord, Prince William Sound, Alaska. Included is Barry Glacier and Cascade Glacier.
Barry Arm of Harriman Fjord, Prince William Sound, Alaska. Included is Barry Glacier and Cascade Glacier.
PubTalk 1/2017 — Unusual sources of tsunamis
A presentation on "Unusual Sources of Tsunamis From Krakatoa to Monterey Bay" by Eric Geist, USGS Research Geophysicist
- Not all tsunamis are generated by earthquakes.
- Tsunamis can be caused by volcanoes, landslides, and even atmospheric disturbances
- Data from tide gauges can help unravel the complex physics of these sources
A presentation on "Unusual Sources of Tsunamis From Krakatoa to Monterey Bay" by Eric Geist, USGS Research Geophysicist
- Not all tsunamis are generated by earthquakes.
- Tsunamis can be caused by volcanoes, landslides, and even atmospheric disturbances
- Data from tide gauges can help unravel the complex physics of these sources
Drowned Forest in Girdwood, AK from 1964 Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami
Shaking during the 1964 Alaska earthquake was felt as far away as Seattle, Washington, and its tsunamis caused 129 fatalities and about $2.3 billion in property losses (2013 dollars).
Shaking during the 1964 Alaska earthquake was felt as far away as Seattle, Washington, and its tsunamis caused 129 fatalities and about $2.3 billion in property losses (2013 dollars).
PubTalk 12/2014 — Ten Years After the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
How geology is reducing tsunami risk
by Bruce Jaffe, USGS Research Oceanographer
How geology is reducing tsunami risk
by Bruce Jaffe, USGS Research Oceanographer
PubTalk 2/2014 — 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami 50th Anniv.
By George Plafker, USGS Geologist Emeritus
By George Plafker, USGS Geologist Emeritus
PubTalk 2/2013 — Is "THE IMPOSSIBLE" Possible in the Pacific Northwest
-- Coastal Community Tsunami Hazards and Risk
By Nathan Wood, Geographer
-- Coastal Community Tsunami Hazards and Risk
By Nathan Wood, Geographer
USGS team looking at a tsunami-rafted log above Stardust Bay, Alaska
USGS Alaska Earthquake Hazards research team investigates a tsunami-rafted drift log high above sea level at Stardust Bay, Sedanka Island, Alaska.
USGS Alaska Earthquake Hazards research team investigates a tsunami-rafted drift log high above sea level at Stardust Bay, Sedanka Island, Alaska.
Tsunami Preparedness along the West Coast, USA
Tsunami Preparedness explains how and why tsunamis occur, how to know that a tsunami is approaching, and what you should do. These issues are addressed by scientists, emergency managers, and first responders.
Tsunami Preparedness explains how and why tsunamis occur, how to know that a tsunami is approaching, and what you should do. These issues are addressed by scientists, emergency managers, and first responders.
PubTalk — Tsunamis
Lessons and Questions from the Indian Ocean Disaster
By Eric L. Geist, geophysicist, Bruce E. Jaffe, oceanographer, and Brian F. Atwater, geologist
Lessons and Questions from the Indian Ocean Disaster
By Eric L. Geist, geophysicist, Bruce E. Jaffe, oceanographer, and Brian F. Atwater, geologist
Tsunami damage and high-water line at Seward, Alaska
The tsunami waves in Seward, Alaska washed the snow from the lower slopes of the hillsides, and the height of the highest wave is marked by the sharp "snow line" on the hillside behind and just above the rooftop in the left center of the photo.
The tsunami waves in Seward, Alaska washed the snow from the lower slopes of the hillsides, and the height of the highest wave is marked by the sharp "snow line" on the hillside behind and just above the rooftop in the left center of the photo.
Damage to Hilo from the Tsunami that struck on April Foolʻs Day in 1946
Damage to Hilo as a result of the tsunami caused by the Aleutian Islands earthquake on April 1, 1946. The tsunami arrived in Hilo nearly five hours after the earthquake occurred. In this photo, debris nearly covers a vehicle in the lower left part of the image (Source unknown).
Damage to Hilo as a result of the tsunami caused by the Aleutian Islands earthquake on April 1, 1946. The tsunami arrived in Hilo nearly five hours after the earthquake occurred. In this photo, debris nearly covers a vehicle in the lower left part of the image (Source unknown).
Related
Is there a system to warn populations of an imminent occurrence of a tsunami?
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) maintains the U.S. Tsunami Warning Centers, and work in conjunction with USGS seismic networks to help determine when and where to issue tsunami warnings. Also, if an earthquake meets certain criteria for potentially generating a tsunami, the pop-up window and the event page for that earthquake on the USGS Latest Earthquakes Map will include a...
What are tsunamis?
Tsunamis are ocean waves triggered by: Large earthquakes that occur near or under the ocean Volcanic eruptions Submarine landslides Onshore landslides in which large volumes of debris fall into the water Scientists do not use the term "tidal wave" because these waves are not caused by tides. Tsunami waves are unlike typical ocean waves generated by wind and storms, and most tsunamis do not "break"...
What is it about an earthquake that causes a tsunami?
Although earthquake magnitude is one factor that affects tsunami generation, there are other important factors to consider. The earthquake must be a shallow marine event that displaces the seafloor. Thrust earthquakes (as opposed to strike slip) are far more likely to generate tsunamis, but small tsunamis have occurred in a few cases from large (i.e., > M8) strike-slip earthquakes. Note the...
What is the difference between a tsunami and a tidal wave?
Although both are sea waves, a tsunami and a tidal wave are two different and unrelated phenomena. A tidal wave is a shallow water wave caused by the gravitational interactions between the Sun, Moon, and Earth ("tidal wave" was used in earlier times to describe what we now call a tsunami.) A tsunami is an ocean wave triggered by large earthquakes that occur near or under the ocean, volcanic...
How do landslides cause tsunamis?
Tsunamis are large, potentially deadly and destructive sea waves, most of which are formed as a result of submarine earthquakes. They can also result from the eruption or collapse of island or coastal volcanoes and from giant landslides on marine margins. These landslides, in turn, are often triggered by earthquakes. Tsunamis can be generated on impact as a rapidly moving landslide mass enters the...
Drift logs stranded by 1957 tsunami in Stardust Bay, Sedanka Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska.
Drift logs stranded by 1957 tsunami in Stardust Bay, Sedanka Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. From the study A 700-year rupture sequence of great eastern Aleutian earthquakes from tsunami modeling of stratigraphic records.
Drift logs stranded by 1957 tsunami in Stardust Bay, Sedanka Island, Aleutian Islands, Alaska. From the study A 700-year rupture sequence of great eastern Aleutian earthquakes from tsunami modeling of stratigraphic records.
Animated GIF of Cascadia 1700 tsunami simulation at Salmon River, Oregon
Animated GIF of Cascadia 1700 tsunami simulation at Salmon River, Oregon. Colored dots are locations where sediment cores were collected.
Animated GIF of Cascadia 1700 tsunami simulation at Salmon River, Oregon. Colored dots are locations where sediment cores were collected.
Tsunami Evacuation Route Sign
Tsunami Evacuation Route Sign
Barry Arm of Harriman Fjord, Prince William Sound, Alaska
Barry Arm of Harriman Fjord, Prince William Sound, Alaska. Included is Barry Glacier and Cascade Glacier.
Barry Arm of Harriman Fjord, Prince William Sound, Alaska. Included is Barry Glacier and Cascade Glacier.
PubTalk 1/2017 — Unusual sources of tsunamis
A presentation on "Unusual Sources of Tsunamis From Krakatoa to Monterey Bay" by Eric Geist, USGS Research Geophysicist
- Not all tsunamis are generated by earthquakes.
- Tsunamis can be caused by volcanoes, landslides, and even atmospheric disturbances
- Data from tide gauges can help unravel the complex physics of these sources
A presentation on "Unusual Sources of Tsunamis From Krakatoa to Monterey Bay" by Eric Geist, USGS Research Geophysicist
- Not all tsunamis are generated by earthquakes.
- Tsunamis can be caused by volcanoes, landslides, and even atmospheric disturbances
- Data from tide gauges can help unravel the complex physics of these sources
Drowned Forest in Girdwood, AK from 1964 Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami
Shaking during the 1964 Alaska earthquake was felt as far away as Seattle, Washington, and its tsunamis caused 129 fatalities and about $2.3 billion in property losses (2013 dollars).
Shaking during the 1964 Alaska earthquake was felt as far away as Seattle, Washington, and its tsunamis caused 129 fatalities and about $2.3 billion in property losses (2013 dollars).
PubTalk 12/2014 — Ten Years After the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
How geology is reducing tsunami risk
by Bruce Jaffe, USGS Research Oceanographer
How geology is reducing tsunami risk
by Bruce Jaffe, USGS Research Oceanographer
PubTalk 2/2014 — 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami 50th Anniv.
By George Plafker, USGS Geologist Emeritus
By George Plafker, USGS Geologist Emeritus
PubTalk 2/2013 — Is "THE IMPOSSIBLE" Possible in the Pacific Northwest
-- Coastal Community Tsunami Hazards and Risk
By Nathan Wood, Geographer
-- Coastal Community Tsunami Hazards and Risk
By Nathan Wood, Geographer
USGS team looking at a tsunami-rafted log above Stardust Bay, Alaska
USGS Alaska Earthquake Hazards research team investigates a tsunami-rafted drift log high above sea level at Stardust Bay, Sedanka Island, Alaska.
USGS Alaska Earthquake Hazards research team investigates a tsunami-rafted drift log high above sea level at Stardust Bay, Sedanka Island, Alaska.
Tsunami Preparedness along the West Coast, USA
Tsunami Preparedness explains how and why tsunamis occur, how to know that a tsunami is approaching, and what you should do. These issues are addressed by scientists, emergency managers, and first responders.
Tsunami Preparedness explains how and why tsunamis occur, how to know that a tsunami is approaching, and what you should do. These issues are addressed by scientists, emergency managers, and first responders.
PubTalk — Tsunamis
Lessons and Questions from the Indian Ocean Disaster
By Eric L. Geist, geophysicist, Bruce E. Jaffe, oceanographer, and Brian F. Atwater, geologist
Lessons and Questions from the Indian Ocean Disaster
By Eric L. Geist, geophysicist, Bruce E. Jaffe, oceanographer, and Brian F. Atwater, geologist
Tsunami damage and high-water line at Seward, Alaska
The tsunami waves in Seward, Alaska washed the snow from the lower slopes of the hillsides, and the height of the highest wave is marked by the sharp "snow line" on the hillside behind and just above the rooftop in the left center of the photo.
The tsunami waves in Seward, Alaska washed the snow from the lower slopes of the hillsides, and the height of the highest wave is marked by the sharp "snow line" on the hillside behind and just above the rooftop in the left center of the photo.
Damage to Hilo from the Tsunami that struck on April Foolʻs Day in 1946
Damage to Hilo as a result of the tsunami caused by the Aleutian Islands earthquake on April 1, 1946. The tsunami arrived in Hilo nearly five hours after the earthquake occurred. In this photo, debris nearly covers a vehicle in the lower left part of the image (Source unknown).
Damage to Hilo as a result of the tsunami caused by the Aleutian Islands earthquake on April 1, 1946. The tsunami arrived in Hilo nearly five hours after the earthquake occurred. In this photo, debris nearly covers a vehicle in the lower left part of the image (Source unknown).
Updated Date: May 9, 2025