Preliminary simulations of the tsunami from the March 11, 2011 M=9.1 subduction zone earthquake offshore of Honshu, Japan.
For more information about the earthquake that caused this tsunami:
- USGS Earthquake Hazards Program (EHP) event page
- USGS EHP Finite Fault Model used to create the tsunami generation
Please note that the program used to create these simulations does not model nonlinear and breaking effects as waves travel into shallow water (e.g., Sendai Bay).
Viewpoint north
Simulation shows first 2 hours of tsunami propagation.
Viewpoint south
Simulation shows first 2 hours of tsunami propagation.
Close-up of the tsunami on the northern Honshu coast
Viewpoint looks to the south. Simulation shows first 2 hours of tsunami propagation.
See also, Notes From the Field
International Tsunami Survey Team visits Japan in May 2011, following the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Tsunami Hazards, Modeling, and the Sedimentary Record
Tsunami and Earthquake Research
Tsunami Field Studies
Preliminary Simulations of Recent Tsunamis
- Overview
Preliminary simulations of the tsunami from the March 11, 2011 M=9.1 subduction zone earthquake offshore of Honshu, Japan.
For more information about the earthquake that caused this tsunami:
- USGS Earthquake Hazards Program (EHP) event page
- USGS EHP Finite Fault Model used to create the tsunami generation
Please note that the program used to create these simulations does not model nonlinear and breaking effects as waves travel into shallow water (e.g., Sendai Bay).
Viewpoint north
Simulation shows first 2 hours of tsunami propagation.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Viewpoint south
Simulation shows first 2 hours of tsunami propagation.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Close-up of the tsunami on the northern Honshu coast
Viewpoint looks to the south. Simulation shows first 2 hours of tsunami propagation.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.See also, Notes From the Field
International Tsunami Survey Team visits Japan in May 2011, following the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain.Damage as seen in Natori, Japan, in May 2011. The March 11, 2011 magnitude 9.1 earthquake off the east coast of Japan caused an epic tsunami. USGS scientist standing near the wrecked boat, and a car on the road, provide scale. Damage to the building indicates a 10-meter flow depth. Photo credit: Bruce Jaffe, USGS. - Science
Tsunami Hazards, Modeling, and the Sedimentary Record
Basic research to develop the geologic record of paleotsunamis and improve the ability to interpret that record is needed to mitigate tsunami risk in the U.S.ByNatural Hazards Mission Area, Coastal and Marine Hazards and Resources Program, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, 3-D CT Core Imaging Laboratory, Core Preparation and Analysis Laboratory and Sample Repositories, Multi-Sensor Core Logger Laboratory, Sediment Lab Suite and Carbon Analysis Laboratory, Subduction Zone ScienceTsunami and Earthquake Research
Here you will find general information on the science behind tsunami generation, computer animations of tsunamis, and summaries of past field studies.Tsunami Field Studies
Our tsunami scientists work on international teams to study the aftermath of tsunamis around the world, to gain a better understanding the impact of potential tsunamis on coastal communities of the United States. Their work helps inform local, state, and federal coastal planning, protection, and resiliency.Preliminary Simulations of Recent Tsunamis
A collection of computer simulations of significant tsunamis.