Ecuador Tsunami, April 16, 2016
Main Event Page

The Ecuador tsunami was generated by a Mw 7.8 earthquake (0.371°N, 79.940°W), at 2016-04-16 23:58:37 UTC, 27 km (16.8 mi) SSE of Muisne, Ecuador (according to the USGS). In approximately 10 minutes, the tsunami was first recorded at tsunameter/DART® buoy 32067. Approximately 55 minutes later, the tsunami was recorded at La Libertad tide gauge, Ecuador. The amplitude of the tsunami appears to be smaller than expected for Mw 7.8 earthquake, probably due to the co-seismic deformation being mostly on-land. Forecast results shown below were created with the NOAA forecast method using MOST model with the tsunami source inferred from epicenter location and magnitude (Mw 7.8) of the earthquake.

The graphics display research 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 amplitudes calculated with the MOST forecast model. Filled colors show maximum computed tsunami amplitude in cm during 24 hours of wave propagation.
  • Maximum wave amplitude with travel time contours
    
• Propagation animation on YouTube and .mp4 format

Model and DART® buoy data/ tide gauge sea level data comparisons

Comparison of the April 16, 2016 Ecuador tsunami recorded at tsunameter/DARTs and tide gauges with model results. The DART model time series are obtained from the pre-computed generation/propagation forecast database in real time, after fitting the epicenter location and magnitude (Mw 7.8) of the earthquake.

• DART® comparisons with model data
  • Composite plot
• Tide Gauge comparisons with model data
  • La Libertad, Ecuador
  • Baltra and Santa Cruz, Galapagos
• Unit Sources: 2.812 * cs44a
  

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