Scientists Forecast Indian Ocean Tsunami

On August 10, 2009, PMEL tsunami scientists used a new forecast system and DART buoy data to determine that the tsunami from a 7.7 magnitude Indian Ocean earthquake tsunami would be non-destructive when it reached coastlines.

The new forecast system and DART buoy, both designed and invented at PMEL, were unavailable during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. These developments along with a tsunami warning system for Indian Ocean nations prevented unnecessary evacuations and panic. For more information on this tsunami please visit the NOAA Center for Tsunami Research Event Page.