NOAA Center for Tsunami Research - Tsunami Event

Tsunami Event - September 29, 2009 Samoa
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Samoa Tsunami Event Page | Model Data Comparison Plots | Local American Samoa Modeling Results | Web Link Compilation | Field Survey Photos

The Samoa tsunami was generated by a Mw 8.0 earthquake (15.559˚S, 172.093˚W ), at 17:48 UTC, 195 km (125 miles) south of Apia, Samoa (according to the USGS). In approximately an hour, the tsunami was recorded at DART® buoys 51425 and 51426. Forecast results shown below were created in real time (during the tsunami propagation) with the NOAA forecast method using MOST model with the tsunami source inferred from 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 on top of blue-shaded sea floor bathymetry. The tsunami waves first arrived at Pago Pago, American Samoa, (approximately 250 km from earthquake epicenter) earlier than other tide gages, at 18:08 UTC, about 20 minutes after the earthquake.

Media contacts:

NOAA Public Affairs Jana Goldman - 301-734-1123
NWS Public Affairs Susan Buchanan - 301-713-0622

When using information from this page, please credit NOAA / PMEL / Center for Tsunami Research

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NOAA Center for Tsunami Research