For more information contact UAS Information Officer Kevin Myers at 796-6530 or by email.

Current Release

Archived Releases

February 17, 2006
Surviving a Tsunami: Is Alaska ready for the Next Big Wave?

Alaska has the greatest tsunami potential of any state in the nation. A tsunami may be generated after an earthquake occurs, traveling within minutes to coastal communities. Currently, work is underway to estimate potential flooding areas along the Alaska coast in case of a local or distant tsunami. This work is called tsunami inundation mapping. Once these maps are complete, communities can produce evacuation routes and plan other measures to save lives and property should a tsunami strike.

Geophysical Institute Research Analyst Elena Suleimani will discuss her work on tsunamis and inundation mapping in a free public lecture on Monday, Feb. 20. "Surviving a Tsunami: Is Alaska Ready for the Next Big Wave?" will begin at 7:30 p.m. at Centennial Hall. All ages are welcome.

This is the third lecture in the 2006 Science for Alaska Lecture Series, an annual event coordinated and sponsored by the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

-30-

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Information on all lectures and presenters in the 2006 Science for Alaska Lecture Series may be found online at www.scienceforalaska.com.

CONTACT
Elena Suleimani, Geophysical Institute Research Analyst: 474-7997 or 388-2839 Kevin Myers, UAS Public Relations and Marketing Director: 796-6530