Worst-Case Tsunami Scenario Mapped

The event of a huge earthquake off the Aleutian Islands could send a devastating tsunami towards the West coast of the U.S. Researchers have released maps of what a worst-case scenario might look like for coastal communities.

1 minute read

December 20, 2009, 7:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg


"The danger has long been known, but Thursday a team of state scientists and emergency management specialists announced they have completed an updated series of 135 "inundation maps" covering shoreline areas in the state's 30 coastal counties and every harbor and inlet that could be threatened.

The maps reveal in detail just how far large tsunamis might send ocean waters rushing inland to threaten beaches and coastal towns. They also indicate evacuation routes that lead to higher ground. The maps are being released online today by the California Emergency Management Agency."

Waves could rise more than 20 feet, inundating many of the state's coastal cities.

Friday, December 18, 2009 in San Francisco Chronicle

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