Catalog of source data for tsunami inundation modeling in Alaska

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Frequently anticipated questions:


What does this data set describe?

Title:
Catalog of source data for tsunami inundation modeling in Alaska
Abstract:
Catalog of source data for tsunami inundation modeling in Alaska, Digital Data Series 21, provides tsunami source models developed for tsunami hazard assessments of at-risk coastal communities throughout Alaska. Tsunami sources include great (M8 or more) earthquakes in Alaska and around the Pacific Ocean Basin, as well as submarine and subaerial landslides, and include slip distributions and seafloor deformations and landslide volumes, respectively, as georeferenced TIFF files. Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys and the University of Alaska, Alaska Earthquake Center staff initiated the tsunami hazard assessment program in the late 1990s as a component of the NOAA/NWS-funded National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP). This resource and supporting data repository provide a comprehensive, public-facing, searchable catalog of all tsunami sources used in decades of Alaska tsunami hazard studies to promote transparency, facilitate scientific reproducibility, and satisfy NTHMP archival requirements. Seismic and non-seismic digital tsunami sources from future hazard studies will be appended to this database as appropriate. The files are and indexed by the community names and the publications in which they are utilized. Please see the linked accompanying reports for a more detailed description of the development and use of individual tsunami source models. This data collection is released with an open end-user license. All files can be downloaded from the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys website (http://doi.org/10.14509/30953).
Supplemental_Information:
source_model:    Raster data file(s) that provide the geometry and location parameters used to calculate the location of the maximum innundation line and water depth of each tsunamigenic scenario. In some cases, the data package will include shapefiles or other additional supporting data.
  1. How might this data set be cited?
    Nicolsky, D.J., Suleimani, E.N., Seitz, S.S., Montayne, Simone, and Salisbury, J.B., 2024, Catalog of source data for tsunami inundation modeling in Alaska: Digital Data Series DDS 21, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?
    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -180.000000
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: 180.000000
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 71.392029
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 51.217293
  3. What does it look like?
  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?
    Beginning_Date: 1999
    Ending_Date: 2024
    Currentness_Reference:
    ground condition
  5. What is the general form of this data set?
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: data
  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?
    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?
      This is a raster data set.
    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?
      Horizontal positions are specified in geographic coordinates, that is, latitude and longitude. Latitudes are given to the nearest .00001. Longitudes are given to the nearest .01111. Latitude and longitude values are specified in decimal degrees. The horizontal datum used is NAD83.
      The ellipsoid used is GRS 80.
      The semi-major axis of the ellipsoid used is 6378137.
      The flattening of the ellipsoid used is 1/298.257222101.
      Vertical_Coordinate_System_Definition:
      Altitude_System_Definition:
      Altitude_Datum_Name: NAVD88; Geoid12A; EPOCH 2010.00
      Altitude_Resolution: 6.2
      Altitude_Distance_Units: centimeters
      Altitude_Encoding_Method: Implicit coordinate
  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?
    Source model
    Raster data file(s) that provide the geometry and location parameters used to calculate the location of the maximum innundation line and water depth of each tsunamigenic scenario. In some cases, the data package will include shapefiles or other additional supporting data. (Source: Models are selected by UAF Alaska Earthquake Center staff and source citations for each model are provided in the tsunami inundation reports that utilize the model.)
    Publication
    DGGS publication number (Source: DGGS) free text
    Community Name
    Name of the community (Source: GNIS placenames) free text
    Scenario Number Model Name
    Scenario number in the applicable report (Source: Applicable report) free text
    Case ID
    Arctic Region Supercomputing Center or Geophysical Institute Research Computing Systems case identification number (Source: University of Alaska Fairbanks) free text

Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)
  2. Who also contributed to the data set?
    Several awards from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Weather Service Office (NOAA/NWS) through the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program to the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and the Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys, funded the generation of these data. This acknowledgment does not imply an endorsement by NOAA/NWS. Numerical calculations for this work were supported by High-Performance Computing resources at the Research Computing Systems unit at the Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, Fairbanks. Multiple authors contributed to the development of the tsunami sources over the lifespan of the project; detailed information is provided in the originating tsunami modeling reports. See the accompanying reports for specific contributions and authorship.
  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?
    Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
    GIS Manager
    3354 College Rd
    Fairbanks, AK
    USA

    907-451-5020 (voice)
    dggsgis@alaska.gov
    Hours_of_Service: 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except State holidays

Why was the data set created?

The compilation of co-seismic slip distributions for hypothetical earthquakes, along with corresponding maps depicting regional uplift/subsidence, serves as input for numerical models addressing tsunami generation, propagation, and inundation in specific target communities. Certain communities face potential threats from tsunamigenic landslides, where the initial thickness of these hypothetical landslides is also considered.

How was the data set created?

  1. From what previous works were the data drawn?
  2. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?
    Date: 2024 (process 1 of 2)
    Earthquake sources - We generate geologically plausible hypothetical co-seismic slip distributions that produce maximum-considered (i.e., worst-case) tsunami inundation in target communities. We constrain these earthquake scenarios based on the current, collective body of knowledge about subduction zone geometry and dynamics using geodetic, geologic, and paleoseismic data in the appropriate regional setting. We also utilize a broader understanding of subduction zone behavior from the global scientific community. The considered co-seismic slip distribution is prescribed on the subducting plate interface or along the hypothetical crustal faults in the area, see details in the corresponding modeling report for details of the interface geometry. Numerical calculations of the co-seismic deformation are conducted with the MATLAB or FORTRAN software package using the Okada solution, derived from a Green's function solution to the elastic half-space problem.
    Date: 2024 (process 2 of 2)
    Landslide sources - We generate landslide tsunami sources based on historical data or by identifying signatures of submarine slides in modern bathymetric data near our target communities. The initial landslide volume and thickness profiles are computed in MATLAB.
  3. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?
    Larsen, M.C., Nicolazzo, J.A., and Athey, J.E., 2023, Landslide hazards in Alaska: Information Circular IC 96, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 2 p
    Salisbury, J.B., 2019, Earthquakes in Alaska: Information Circular IC 73, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 2 p
    Salisbury, J.B., 2019, Living with earthquakes in Alaska: Information Circular IC 77, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 2 p
    Salisbury, J.B., Strait, S.H., and Ruppert, Natalia, 2020, Earthquake early warning system for Alaska: fact sheet: Information Circular IC 88, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 2 p
    Salisbury, J.B., Suleimani, E.N., Nicolsky, D.J., and West, M.E., 2021, Tsunami hazards: Frequently asked questions: Information Circular IC 91, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 2 p
    Salisbury, J.B., and Janssen, K.A., 2022, Tsunamis in Alaska: Information Circular IC 85 v. 2, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 2 p
    Stevens, D.S.P., Wolken, G.J., Hubbard, T.D., and Hendricks, K.A., 2018, Landslides in Alaska: Information Circular IC 65, Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, Fairbanks, Alaska, United States.

    Online Links:

    Other_Citation_Details: 2 p

How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?
    The largest uncertainty in modeling inundation due to the tectonic tsunami is associated with the prescription of co-seismic slip distribution. True slip depends on the geometry for the Alaska-Aleutian megathrust and other crustal faults used in the models. We used a variety of megathrust geometries, as updates became available over the lifespan of the project through our partners at the United States Geological Survey (USGS); detailed information on the megathrust geometry or crustal fault is given in the related tsunami modeling report. Hypothetical landslides are thought to occur in the river or creek deltas where unconsolidated material is accumulated. The initial thickness of the landslide sources is compared to similar historical events to ensure a realistic volume of the mass failure. Landslide volumes estimates are based on paleo-slides that are identifiable in bathymetry or otherwise best estimates given the local conditions. Detailed info about DEM and input sources are provided in the related tsunami modeling report.
  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?
    The accuracy is prescribed through the plate interface and fault geometries as well as locations of previous landslides or areas with modern submarine sediment accumulation.
  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?
    Throughout the project, we use WGS84 geoid to specify coordinates of the co-seismic slip and ground surface deformation. The initial landslide thickness is related to the current digital elevation model (DEM) used for modeling tsunami propagation and runup; detailed information about the DEM is provided in the associated tsunami modeling report.
  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?
    DGGS anticipates ongoing development of additional seismic and non-seismic digital tsunami sources from future hazard studies will be appended to this database.
  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?
    The results we generate with numerical models are dependent on the resolution of input datasets (i.e. fault geometries) and topographic and bathymetric data used in computations. Therefore, the known and unknown uncertainty parameters related to each model will be unique.

How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?
Access_Constraints:
This report, map, and/or dataset is available directly from the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (see contact information below).
Use_Constraints:
Any hard copies or published datasets utilizing these datasets shall clearly indicate their source. If the user has modified the data in any way, the user is obligated to describe the types of modifications the user has made. The user specifically agrees not to misrepresent these datasets, nor to imply that changes made by the user were approved by the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys. The State of Alaska makes no express or implied warranties (including warranties for merchantability and fitness) with respect to the character, functions, or capabilities of the electronic data or products or their appropriateness for any user's purposes. In no event will the State of Alaska be liable for any incidental, indirect, special, consequential, or other damages suffered by the user or any other person or entity whether from the use of the electronic services or products or any failure thereof or otherwise. In no event will the State of Alaska's liability to the Requestor or anyone else exceed the fee paid for the electronic service or product.
  1. Who distributes the data set? (Distributor 1 of 1)
    State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys
    3354 College Road
    Fairbanks, AK
    USA

    907-451-5020 (voice)
    907-451-5050 (FAX)
    dggspubs@alaska.gov
    Hours_of_Service: 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except State holidays
    Contact_Instructions:
    Please view our website (http://www.dggs.alaska.gov) for the latest information on available data. Please contact us using the e-mail address provided above when possible.
  2. What's the catalog number I need to order this data set? DDS 21
  3. What legal disclaimers am I supposed to read?
    The State of Alaska makes no express or implied warranties (including warranties of merchantability and fitness) with respect to the character, function, or capabilities of the electronic services or products or their appropriateness for any user's purposes. In no event will the State of Alaska be liable for any incidental, indirect, special, consequential, or other damages suffered by the user or any other person or entity, whether from the use of the electronic services or products, any failure thereof, or otherwise, and in no event will the State of Alaska's liability to the requestor or anyone else exceed the fee paid for the electronic service or product.
  4. How can I download or order the data?

Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 27-Feb-2024
Metadata author:
Simone Montayne
3354 College Road
Fairbanks, AK
USA

907-451-5020 (voice)
Metadata standard:
FGDC Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001-1998)
Metadata extensions used:

Generated by mp version 2.9.50 on Tue Feb 27 16:49:54 2024