2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami (19 years ago)

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SUMMARY

The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, with a magnitude estimated between 9.1 and 9.3, was the most powerful earthquake recorded in Asia and the 21st century. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center initially underestimated the earthquake's magnitude at 8.0, lacking instrumentation in the Indian Ocean, which delayed warnings to affected nations. The earthquake's epicenter was located between Simeulue and mainland Sumatra, and it caused significant geological effects, including the planet vibrating up to 10 mm and triggering remote earthquakes as far as Alaska. The event highlighted the critical need for improved tsunami warning systems in the region.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of seismic magnitude scales, specifically the Richter and Moment Magnitude scales.
  • Familiarity with tsunami generation mechanisms and warning systems.
  • Knowledge of the geographical and geological features of the Indian Ocean region.
  • Awareness of historical seismic events and their impacts on coastal communities.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the advancements in tsunami warning systems post-2004, focusing on the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System.
  • Explore the geological implications of the 2004 earthquake on the tectonic plates in the region.
  • Study the effects of the 2004 tsunami on coastal infrastructure and disaster response strategies.
  • Investigate the role of social media and video documentation in shaping public awareness during natural disasters.
USEFUL FOR

Seismologists, disaster management professionals, coastal engineers, and anyone interested in the historical impact of seismic events on human populations and infrastructure.

Astronuc
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I discovered a video in which various people discuss what they witnessed that day - including some survivors.

At the time, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii detected a large earthquake, but initially underestimated the magnitude (M 8.0). Furthermore, they had no instrumentation in the Indian Ocean, so they had no idea where or what happened, nor whether a tsunami wave was generated. They later get a number of 8.5 Mag. They later get an email from colleagues at Harvard who indicate Mag 8.9. The did not know who to call in Indonesia, Thailand or Sri Lanka, and it was too late by the time a warning was issued; they eventually warned the US State Department who contacted nations along the E Coast of Africa. Mauritius and Madagascar got enough warning that people had time to evacuate the eastern coastline.



Some estimates put the earthquake at 9.1-9.3 Mag.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Indian_Ocean_earthquake_and_tsunami
It was the most powerful earthquake ever recorded in Asia, the most powerful earthquake in the 21st century, and at least the third most powerful earthquake ever recorded in the world since modern seismography began in 1900. It had the longest duration of faulting ever observed, between eight and ten minutes. It caused the planet to vibrate as much as 10 mm (0.4 in), and also remotely triggered earthquakes as far away as Alaska. Its epicentre was between Simeulue and mainland Sumatra.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Indian_Ocean_earthquake_and_tsunami#Earthquake
 
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I remember this devastation. It was one of the first major earthquake events that was able to have quite a bit of video footage available on the internet.
 
Greg Bernhardt said:
I remember this devastation. It was one of the first major earthquake events that was able to have quite a bit of video footage available on the internet.
One of the discussions we had that day
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/big-sumatra-quake-wave-hits-sri-lanka-india.57841/

A more recent discussion of the tsunami resulting from the 26 Dec 2004, Mag 9.1 earthquake near Sumatra.
https://www.usgs.gov/centers/pcmsc/science/tsunami-generation-2004-m91-sumatra-andaman-earthquake
 
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