-Hilo is on the eastern coast of the main island of Hawaii.
~What does the word tsunami mean?
-"Tsunami" is a Japanese word that translates into "harbor wave."
~Is there a Hawaiian word for "tsunami"?
-"Kai e'e" is the general word for tsunamis and "Kai mimiki" is the word that describes the withdrawal of the water before the tsunami hits.
~What causes a tsunami?
-The shifting of the tectonic plates at the bottom of the ocean.
~Could nuclear testing create a tsunami?
-It is possible, because any large displacement of water could cause a tsunami.
~How is a tsunami wave different from a normal wave?
-Normal waves are caused by the wind blowing over the surface of the ocean, while tsunami waves result from a physical mechanism.
~How does a tsunami behave as it approaches land?
-The way that the tsunami waves behave are determined by the topography of the seafloor and the actual shape of the shoreline.
~How long does it take a tsunami to reach land?
-The waves generally travel at about 500 miles per hour, so tsunamis can travel across the Pacific ocean in less than a day, and locally generated tsunamis can hit land in just minutes.
~How many waves are there in a tsunami?
-A tsunami generally consists of a series of waves, often referred to as the tsunami wave train.
~What is a run-up and an inundation?
-The maximum vertical height to which the water is observed with reference to sea level is referred to the run-up. The maximum horizontal distance that is reached by a tsunaimi is referred to as an inundation.
~How are tsunami wave heights measured?
-They are measured by their run-up.
~What is the "wrap-around" effect?
-It is when the tsunami refracts or bends around islands.
~Do all oceans have tsunamis?
-Yes
~What is the Tsunami Warning System?
-The Pacific Tsunami Warning Sytem (PTWS) detect and locate the existence of all possible tsunami causing earthquakes.
~What is the difference between a Tsunami Watch and a Tsunami Warning?
-If there is a large earthquake there is a Tsunami Watch, and if a tsunami has resulted from the earthquake then there is a Tsunami Warning.
~How many warning have been issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center since it was established?
-Since 1948 there have been 20 warnings.
~What should i do or not do in a tsunami warning?
-Once a tsunami warning has been issued then you should evacuate immediately.
~If I need to evacuate what should i bring with me?
-A tsunami kit is about the same as all natural disaster kits-first aide kit, food, water, important papers (drivers license, special medical papers, etc), blankets/sleeping bags, etc.
~Can the arrival time for a tsunami be accurately predicted?
-Due to the developement of time charts, it can be predicted pretty accurately.
~What has been the most destructive tsunami to hit the Hawaiian island in recent history?
-On April 1, 1946.
~How many Pacific-wide tsunamis have struck the Hawaiian Islands in recent history?
-In this century there have been 13 tsunamis.
~How many locally generated tsunamis have occured in the Hawaiian Islands in recent history?
-There have been several significant locally generated tsunamis in the Hawaiian Islands.
~How are inundation/evacuation areas determined?
-They are located by scientists studying maps and predict the maximum height, then they locate a spot on the maps that are above that level.
~Since I dont live in an inundation area why should I be concerned?
-Even if you dont live in an inundation area, your life would still be affected by the tsunami.
~I own a boat:what should i do when there is a tsunami warning?
-If the arrival time of the tsunami is soon, then you shouldnt risk your life to save your boat.
~If I would like more information on tsunamis who should i contact?
- Pacific Tsunami Museum, PO Box 806, Hilo, HI 96721, (808)935-0936, Fax # (808)935-0842
Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, 91-270 Fort Weaver Rd., Ewa beach, HI 96706, (808)689-8207 Ext 301, Fax # (808) 689-4543
International Tsunami Information Center, 737 Bishop St. Suite 2200, Honolulu, HI 96813, (808)532-6422, Fax # (808)532-5576, email: ITIC@moana.itc.nooa.gov