The Bonin Islands tsunami event was generated by a Mw 7.4 earthquake (26.892°N, 143.726°E), at 17:19:40 UTC, 150 km (95 miles) E of Chichi-shima, Bonin Islands, Japan (according to the USGS). In a little under 1 hour, the tsunami was first recorded at DART® buoy 21413. Forecast results shown below were created with the NOAA forecast method using MOST model with the tsunami source inferred from DART® data. The tsunami waves first arrived at Chichijima Futami, Japan (approximately 130 km west from the earthquake epicenter ), at 17:44 UTC, about 24 minutes after the earthquake.

The graphics to the left display forecast results, showing qualitative and quantitative information about the tsunami, including tsunami wave interaction with ocean floor bathymetric features, and neighboring coastlines. Tsunami model amplitude information is shown color-coded according to the scale bar.

Modeling Results

• Energy propagation pattern of the  December 21, 2010 tsunami calculated with MOST forecast model. These model results are based on preliminary DART-constrained tsunami source obtained during real-time assessment of the event.
• Propagation animation

Model results comparison with sea level data

• Model comparison with DART data
• Model comparison with Midway and Wake Island tide gages
• Model comparison with Hawaii tide gages