With the recent catastrophe in Indonesia, the topic of tsunamis could not be more timely. This book, volume fifteen in a distinguished series surveying the frontiers of ocean science and research, looks at every aspect of the current science of tsunamis. The world's foremost experts write about the dynamics of geophysical processes involved in tsunami generation, propagation, and inundation, along with the statistical and geophysical properties of tsunami recurrence, and their application to tsunami forecasts and warnings.
Together, their work constitutes the first comprehensive overview of a topic of paramount importance in ocean science today. Coinciding with the recent completion of the United States, enhanced tsunami warning program - which will provide an unprecedented volume of data on tsunamis in the deep ocean - this book will help crystallize a research agenda and foster the study of this critical issue in our understanding of the sea.
In the manifold, multidisciplinary efforts of science to understand and manage our planet, contemporary ocean science plays an essential role. This new volume in the series "The Sea" advances these efforts with a clear focus on one of the ocean's more significant deadly phenomena.
* Contents* * Tsunamis * Preface * Contributors * Editorial Advisory Panel and External Reviewers * Introduction: Emergent Findings and New Directions in Tsunami Science Eddie N. Bernard and Allan R. Robinson * Tsunami History: Recorded Viacheslav K. Gusiakov * Geologic Effects and Records of Tsunamis Joanne Bourgeois * Tsunami Probability Eric L. Geist, Tom Parsons, Uri S. ten Brink and Homa J. Lee * Excitation of Tsunamis by Earthquakes Emile A. Okal * Tsunami Generation: Other Sources Galen R. Gisler * Tsunami Measurements Harold O. Mofjeld * Tsunami Modeling: Development of Benchmarked Models Costas E. Synolakis and Utku Kanoglu * Tsunami Modeling: Propagation Philip L.-F. Liu * Tsunami Modeling: Inundation Fumihiko Imamura * Tsunami Impacts on Coastlines Harry Yeh * Tsunami Forecasting Vasily V. Titov * Tsunami Warning Systems Paul M. Whitmore * Index
Eddie N. Bernard is Affiliate Professor, University of Washington, and Director of the NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory. Allan R. Robinson is Gordon McKay Professor of Geophysical Fluid Dynamics, Emeritus, Harvard University.
Knowledge of the field of tsunami oceanography has dramatically increased since the December 26, 2004, Indian Ocean tsunami. This rare book eminently provides an excellent basis of scientific and technical information in this neglected field. Eighteen outstanding scientists and engineers contributed 13 chapters on critical core subjects. Topics include recorded tsunami history, geologic records and effects, tsunami probabilities, earthquake excitation, and other sources of tsunamis. The book also addresses measurements, models for propagation, hazards mapping, coastline impacts, forecasting, and warning systems. Each chapter ends with a long list of comprehensive references. Mathematical equations and explanations appropriately support the text, and charts, graphs, and photographs clearly add value and strength to this young, complex field of oceanography. This outstanding, unparalleled volume will contribute to the educational needs of the tsunami science and engineering student as well as the advanced researcher and veteran oceanographer. -- T. L. T. Grose Choice 20090701