About Tsunami and Earthquake Research at the USGS

Here you will find general information on how local tsunamis are generated by earthquakes as well as animations, virtual reality models of tsunamis, and summaries of past research studies. The scope of tsunami research within the USGS, however, is broader than the topics covered here. USGS researchers have also provided critical research toward understanding how sediments are transported during tsunami runup and deciphering the geologic record of prehistoric tsunamis. The USGS collaborates closely with the National Center for Tsunami Research.

As part of the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program, the USGS has also upgraded the seismograph network and communication functions of the West Coast & Alaska Tsunami Warning Center and Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. This effort is termed CREST -- Consolidated Reporting of EarthquakeS and Tsunamis.

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