Surviving a tsunami: Is Alaska ready for the next big wave?

Submitted by Amy Hartley
Phone: (907) 474-5823
01/13/06

Alaska has the greatest tsunami potential of any state in the nation. A tsunami may be generated after an earthquake occurs, traveling within minutes to coastal communities. Currently, work is underway to estimate potential flooding areas along the Alaska coast in case of a local or distant tsunami. This work is called tsunami inundation mapping. Once these maps are complete, communities can produce evacuation routes and plan other measures to save lives and property should a tsunami strike.

Geophysical Institute Research Analyst Elena Suleimani will discuss her work on tsunamis and inundation mapping in a free public lecture on Tuesday, Jan. 17. "Surviving a Tsunami: Is Alaska Ready for the Next Big Wave?" will begin at 7 p.m. at the Westmark Gold Room. Get there early to see informative displays and participate in educational demonstrations. All ages are welcome!

This is the second lecture in the 2006 Science for Alaska Lecture Series, an annual event coordinated and sponsored by the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Information on all lectures and presenters in the 2006 Science for Alaska Lecture Series may be found online at www.scienceforalaska.com

CONTACT:
Elena Suleimani, Geophysical Institute research analyst at (907) 474-7997. Amy Hartley, Geophysical Institute information officer at (907) 474-5823.