NASA Video: 2011 Japan Tsunami Wave Height, the First 22 Hours

Scientists have known for years that the shape of the seafloor plays a role in how tsunami waves build up as they approach the coastline. Underwater topography also determines why some areas get hit worse than others. This animation shows the first 22 hours (120 second time resolution) of the wave’s motion across the Pacific basin. Read more about this animation here.

Scientists have known for years that the shape of the seafloor plays a role in how tsunami waves build up as they approach the coastline. Underwater topography also determines why some areas get hit worse than others. This animation shows the first 22 hours (120 second time resolution) of the wave’s motion across the Pacific basin. Read more about this animation here.