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NOAA NCTR experimental research product Not an official forecast

Costa Rica Tsunami, September 5, 2012
Main Event Page

The Costa Rica tsunami was generated by a Mw 7.6 earthquake (10.085°N 85.315°W ), at 14:42:07 UTC, 10km (6mi) NE of Hojancha, Costa Rica (according to the USGS). In approximately 2 hours, the tsunami was first recorded at tsunameter/DART® buoy 43413. Forecast results shown below were created with the NOAA forecast method using MOST model with the tsunami source inferred from tsunameter/DART® data.
		The graphics 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. Offshore tsunami wave amplitude was forecasted based on actual tsunami observations at DART 43413 and was not based on any particular earthquake mechanism. Modeling Results Model amplitudes calculated with the  MOST forecast model. Filled colors show maximum computed tsunami amplitude in cm during 24 hours of wave propagation. Black contours show computed tsunami arrival time. Pacific Ocean (also see alternate graphic) Island of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands* Propagation animation

• Model and tsunameter/DART® buoy data / tide gauge data* comparison
  
  • Tide gauge at Baltra & Map
  • Tide gauge at Santa Cruz & Map
  • Composite graphic of tide gauge/model comparisons, model amplitudes at Santa Cruz & location map
  • DART 43413
• Unit Sources: 0.35*cs27a + 0.4*cs28a + 2.97*cs28z

*The model results for Galapagos, Ecuador are computed based on grids interpolated from ETOPO1 bathymetry and SRTM90 topography, which are known to have large accuracy errors in nearshore water depth and land elevation with dense vegetation. Therefore, these model results should be considered as preliminary and qualitative analyses of the September 5, 2012 Costa Rica tsunami in Galapagos.

The DART model timeseries are obtained from the pre-computed generation/propagation forecast database in real time, after fitting models to tsunami records from the closest DART 43413.

Disclaimer: The forecasts on these pages show the results of ongoing research to enhance tsunami science and to improve NOAA operational tsunami forecasts. These products were developed during or shortly after the tsunami event, are intended for research use, and are not an official forecast. They should not be used as the basis of any public or private policy decisions. Please contact NCTR to find if there are more detailed follow-on analysis results.

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