Southwest of Sumatra Tsunami, March 2, 2016
Main Event Page

The Southwest of Sumatra tsunami was generated by a Mw 7.8 earthquake (4.908°S 94.275°E), at 2016-03-02 12:49:48 UTC, 659km (409mi) SW of Muara Siberut, Indonesia (according to the USGS). In approximately an hour, the tsunami was first recorded at Tanahbala tide gauge. Approximately 54 minutes later, the tsunami was recorded at tsunameter/DART® buoy 23227. Model results shown below were created using MOST model with the tsunami source from USGS Centroid Moment Tensor solution and compared with tsunameter/DART® data.

The graphics display research model 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 computed based on seismic parameters of USGS Centroid Moment Tensor solution.

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
  • Maximum wave amplitude with travel time contours and DART locations
    
• Propagation animation on YouTube and .mp4 format

Model and DART® buoy data

Comparison of the March 2, 2016 Southwest of Sumatra tsunami recorded at tsunameter/DARTs with model results. The DART model time series are obtained from hindcast model simulation, with source deformation computed using the USGS Centroid Moment Tensor solution.

• DART® comparisons with model data
  • Composite plot
• Model source parameters:
  Model 1: Length = 155 km, Width = 21 km, Strike = 96, Dip = 84, Rake = -170, Slip = 5.5 m
  Model 2: Length = 100 km, Width = 50 km, Strike = 96, Dip = 84, Rake = -170, Slip = 3.0 m

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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PMEL and NOAA contacts

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