Tsunami
Warning System

An ocean wave, generated by a submarine event such as an earthquake or volcanic eruption
They have enough energy to travel across entire ocean basins

5 hours and 30 minutes from trigger

National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
DART II Buoys
• D eep Ocean
• A ssessment and
• R eporting of
• T sunamis
• First six in 2001
– Complete 30 buoy system in 2008

Temperature and pressure readings every 15 minutes in standard mode (15-s)
When an event is detected:
• 15 second values are transmitted for the first few minutes
• For the next 4 hours, 1 minute values are transmitted

DART I (phase out in 2008)
• 1 hour communication
• 1 way communication
DART II
• 15 minute intervals
• 2 way communication
Geostationary Operational
Environmental Satellite
Both use the GOES Satellite for communication

All based on pressure
The DART II Tsunameter (on the ocean floor) monitors the pressure and tidal changes
A standard is set by NOAA
• 30 mm (3 cm) for the Pacific Ocean
• Uses a formula to determine if the threshold has been exceeded

Detection Software
Uses this formula
Pacific, a tsunami is reported by the buoy

Normal Tide/Pressure Activity on the Ocean Floor
Tide/Pressure
Spike

Program by the National Weather Service
Helps to develop Tsunami Emergency Plans
Such as:
• 24 hour command and control center
• One or more ways to alert the community
• Promote public readiness
• Develop a Tsunami Action Plan

Tsunami Warning Centers
Alaska
• Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and
California
• US Gulf and Atlantic Coast States
• Canadian Provinces
Hawai’i
• All of the Pacific
• Responsible for monitoring strong tsunamigenic areas

Tsunami Warning System
Tsunami Information Bulletin
• Threat exists, no active tsunami
Tsunami Watch
• Earthquake could have triggered a tsunami
• Tsunami Warning Center (TWC) waiting for DART information
Tsunami Warning
• TWC thinks threat is high
• Will include arrival times for areas of the Pacific

Tsunami Warning

Tsunami Warning

City of Honolulu, Hawai’i

Honolulu International Airport
Reef Runway (8R)
Primary Runway

Evacuation Causes
URGENT TSUNAMI WARNING
• Possible tsunami generated by a local earthquake
• Sirens will sound
• Immediate evacuation
TSUNAMI WARNING
• Tsunami approach confirmed
• Sirens will sound

Tsunami Evacuation
• TSUNAMI EVACUATION
• Sirens will sound
• Begin evacuation when the evacuation order is issued
• 3 to 4 hours prior to wave arrival
• City busses will leave evacuation zones
• Roads will be sealed off by police
• No later than 45 minutes prior to first wave arrival.

Hurricane Evacuation
Tsunami and Hurricane Evacuation
• Similar to progression of evacuations
• Similar response by local law enforcement

Tsunami Warning System
All based on DART II Buoy system
• Around the Pacific Ocean
• “Defense” for Pacific and Hawai’i
• Pressure of passing tsunami wave
Much like a Hurricane Evacuation system

The Questions?
• Does it work?
• Would the full system protect the Pacific
Rim?
• Does the DART System help local governments to save lives?

Web Resources/Credits
NWS TsunamiReady ™ Page: www.tsunamiready.noaa.gov
Tsunami Warning Centers Page: www.tsunami.gov
NOAA Tsunami Page: www.tsunami.noaa.gov
NWS StormReady Page: www.stormready.noaa.gov
Government of Hawai’i: www.hawaii.gov