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The NOAA Center for Tsunami Research, located at NOAA's Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory in Seattle, WA, focuses on an integrated approach to improving tsunami warning and mitigation:

Modeling and Forecasting:
The NCTR develops computer models that calculate the propagation of tsunami waves through the ocean. These models are used operationally for forecasting tsunamis.

Tsunami Warning Buoys:
NCTR research is critical to the design, development, and deployment of tsunami warning buoys.

Inundation Mapping:
The NCTR develops computer models that calculate the height and extent of tsunami flooding for shoreline communities. This is called Inundation Mapping. Inundation models and maps are used in community hazard assessment and planning activities to support Tsunami Preparedness for coastal communities.

More information about the NCTR and tsunami research:

About the Website:

REUTERS News Agency has granted permission to use the image of the March 11, 2011 Japan tsunami (A whirlpool is seen near Oarai City, Ibaraki Prefecture, northeastern Japan,  REUTERS/Kyodo) for editorial use on the NCTR home page. The Website development team includes Tracey Nakamura and Nancy Soreide.