According to the US Tsunami Warning System, tsunami warnings are more serious than tsunami clocks.
On July 29th, there was an earthquake powerful enough to rank it as the top ten most powerful earthquakes on record off the Russian coast, causing a series of tsunami warnings and clocks.
The earthquake measured an incredible magnitude of 8.8. For context, Michigan’s University of Technology says earthquakes above 8.0 can cause major damage and destroy the community.
The US Tsunami Warning System (Tsunami.gov) updates its guidance to help experts learn more about the threat. Within minutes and hours of major earthquakes, tsunami assessments change as researchers track data from Buoy and other interventions.
According to the agency, each alert level means:
- Tsunami Warning: Take action –danger! A tsunami is expected or occurs that can cause widespread flooding. Dangerous coastal flooding and powerful flows are possible and can last for hours or days after initial arrival. Follow the instructions from local officials. Evacuation is recommended. Move up high or inland (away from the water).
- Tsunami Advisory: Take Action –A tsunami is expected with the potential for strong currents and waves that are dangerous for people underwater or very close. There may be flooding in the beach and harbor area. Stay away from the water and away from the beaches and waterways. Follow the instructions from local officials.
- Tsunami Watch: Get ready –A distant earthquake occurred. Tsunami is possible.Stay tuned for more details. Be prepared to take action as needed.
- Tsunami Information Statement: Relax–The earthquake occurred, but there was no threat, it was very far away, and the threat was not determined. In most cases, there is no destructive tsunami threat.
Those living along the coast can check out information from their local emergency management offices to get information about their local and risks.
Map shows tsunami warning, clock
How does NOAA track tsunamis?
A real-time tsunami monitoring system created by the Pacific Ocean Environment Research Institute in Washington has placed buoys in strategic locations in the ocean that play a key role in tsunami prediction, according to the National Marine and Atmospheric Administration. The buoy is named DART for its deep ocean assessment and reporting of tsunamis.
According to NOAA, when a tsunami event occurs, the first information is earthquake information from the previous earthquake. As the tsunami moves across the ocean, it reaches the DART system, which reports sea level information measurements to the Tsunami Warning Center. That voy data is used to improve tsunami estimates and to provide clocks, warnings and evacuation predictions.
Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory is working on a third generation of buoy systems, but the lab is one of the proposed closings under the budget proposed by NOAA next year.
(This story has been updated to add new information.)
