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NOAA NCTR research product
Not an official forecast

Tsunami Event - December 21, 2010 Bonin Islands, Japan
Main Event Page

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

Model results comparison with sea level data

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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