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Our Scientists First with Observations
Of Indian Ocean Tsunami From Satellite

The attached figure shows a map of the NOAA / OAR / PMEL model for the December 26, Indian Ocean tsunami at a time slice when the Jason-w satellite altimeter flew across the Indian Ocean, and a comparison of the PMEL model and the NOAA Lab for Satellite Altimetry analysis of the altimeter data. LSA is working with PMEL to use these data to refine our understanding of how tsunamis move across ocean basins. These satellite data are important because the height of the tsunami in the open sea could not be measured by any other means.  These data are not received in real time and are not accurate enough to be used for a monitoring and warning system. Altimeter data can be used to improve tsunami hazard forecasting by (1) helping calibrate and validate tsunami wave models and (2) providing better ocean bathymetry maps from which wave energy patterns can be estimated. This is important for demonstrating the use of altimetry for natural hazard for detection and mitigation.

Figure (right). Sea level observations from the Jason1 altimeter shows multiple wave crests and troughs radiating across the Indian Ocean with amplitudes as large as 60 cm.