The Haiti tsunami was generated by a Mw 7.0 earthquake (18.457°N, 72.533°W ), at 21:53 UTC, 25 km (15 miles) WSW of PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (according to the USGS). In approximately 50 minutes, the tsunami was recorded at DART® buoy 42407. Preliminary model results shown below were created with the NOAA forecast tools using MOST model with the tsunami source inferred from USGS CMT solution and constrained by DART® data amplitudes. Small tsunami waves were clearly recorded at Santo Domingo tide gage (approximately 280 km from earthquake epicenter), about 50 minutes after the earthquake. Local impact from tsunami was also documented by a post tsunami survey and satellite images of the impact area.

The model-data agreement in tsunami arrival time and general wave signatures suggest that the wave recorded at DART® and at Santo Domingo tide gage may have been generated by the co-seismic deformation from the earthquake. The model shows potentially strong impact only in the vicinity of the epicenter, which is consistent with the survey observations.

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 on top of blue-shaded sea floor bathymetry.

Graphics, animations and Field Survey photos:

• Maximum wave amplitude information is shown color-coded on top of blue-shaded sea floor bathymetry.
• Model and DART® buoy data / tide gage data comparison
• Field Survey photos 1 2 3 4 5 (Credit Hermann M. Fritz, Georgia Institute of Technology)
• USGS/EERI Advance Reconnaissance Team Report