Rewiring the Tsunami Early Warning System

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) on 11 March 2011 warned that a 3-m-plus tsunami would hit northeastern Japan. In fact, the wave that came ashore stood more than 10 m high—reaching 40 m in some places.

Abstract: The authors are scientist C, scientist F, scientist B and director, respectively, at Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, Hyderabad and secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences. srinivas@incois.gov.in

The authors are scientist C, scientist F, scientist B and director, respectively, at Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, Hyderabad and secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences. srinivas@incois.gov.in


Term Power

What is ...

A geomorphic process whereby bulk movement of soil and debris occur down a slope, under the force of gravity.

A debris flow consisting of volcanic material and water. These lethal mixtures of water and tephra have the consistency of wet concrete, yet they can flow down the slopes of volcanoes or down river valleys at rapid speeds, similar to fast-moving streams of water.

Loose unconsolidated rock and dust which forms a layer, resting on the bedrock.

A steep slope exposed due to displacement of material in the form of a landslide.

A part of the flood plain adjacent to the floodway.

Spells of sparse rainfall during the mid monsoon months of July and August.

A combination of structural and non structural adjustments made to protect buildings from flood damage.

Slow flowage of water saturated soil down a slope. Solifluction describes the slow downslope movement of water-saturated sediment due to recurrent freezing and thawing of the ground, affected by gravity.

Layers of mounds of debris at the foot of a landslide.

Loose rocks and debris covering a slope. Landforms associated with these materials are often called talus deposits. Formation of scree or talus deposits results from physical and chemical weathering and erosional processes acting on a rock face.