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Tsunami Inundation Mapping

Tsunami inundation maps of Port Valdez

Coastal Alaska lives with the most serious tsunami risk in the United States. Historically, tsunamis generated by earthquakes in Alaska have caused damage and loss of life along the West Coast and across the Pacific. Here in Alaska, though, tsunamis generated by nearby earthquakes represent "near-field" hazards. In other words, people have minutes rather than hours to reach safety.

In partnership with the Alaska Earthquake Center and the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, we publish maps of potential inundation made using numerical modeling of tsunami wave dynamics. The collaborative Tsunami Inundation Mapping Program works to make our coastal communities safer by providing state and local officials with the best possible information for addressing the tsunami hazards faced by their communities. Communities are selected with consideration of their tsunami hazard exposure, location, infrastructure, availability of data, and willingness to incorporate the results in a comprehensive mitigation plan. The maps incorporate the best tsunami science available at the time of publication.

Tsunami inundation maps and associated reports are available for the areas listed.

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