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    Tsunami inundation maps for Skagway and Haines, Alaska

    Metadata Updated: November 10, 2020

    In this report we evaluate potential tsunami hazards for the southeastern Alaska communities of Skagway and Haines and numerically model the extent of inundation from tsunami waves generated by tectonic and submarine landslide sources. We calibrate our tsunami model by numerically simulating the 2011 Tohoku, Japan tsunami at Skagway and comparing our results to instrument records. Analysis of calculated and observed water level dynamics for the 2011 event in Skagway reveals that the model underestimates the observed wave heights in the city by a factor of 1.5, likely due to complex tsunami-tide interactions. We compensate for this underestimation numerically by increasing the coseismic slip of the hypothetical tsunami sources in our models. Potential hypothetical maximum credible tsunami sources include variations of the extended 1964 rupture and megathrust earthquakes in the Prince William Sound and Alaska Peninsula regions. Local underwater landslide events in Taiya, Chilkoot, and Chilkat inlets are also considered as possible tsunamigenic scenarios. The results show that the maximum predicted wave height resulting from a tectonic tsunami is 2-3 m (7-10 ft) in Skagway and Haines, while the maximum landslide-generated tsunami may cause a runup of 15-16 m (49-52 ft). Results presented here are intended to provide guidance to local emergency management agencies in tsunami inundation assessment, evacuation planning, and public education to mitigate future tsunami hazards. Users can access the complete report and digital data from the DGGS website: http://doi.org/10.14509/30029.

    Access & Use Information

    Non-Federal: This dataset is covered by different Terms of Use than Data.gov. License: No license information was provided.

    Downloads & Resources

    Dates

    Metadata Date November 20, 2018
    Metadata Created Date November 10, 2020
    Metadata Updated Date November 10, 2020
    Reference Date(s) January 1, 2018 (publication)
    Frequency Of Update notPlanned

    Metadata Source

    Harvested from Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys

    Additional Metadata

    Resource Type Dataset
    Metadata Date November 20, 2018
    Metadata Created Date November 10, 2020
    Metadata Updated Date November 10, 2020
    Reference Date(s) January 1, 2018 (publication)
    Responsible Party Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (Point of Contact)
    Contact Email
    Guid
    Access Constraints Use Constraints: This dataset includes results of numerical modeling of earthquake-generated tsunami waves for a specific community. Modeling was completed using the best information and tsunami modeling software available at the time of analysis. They are numerical solutions and, while they are believed to be accurate, their ultimate accuracy during an actual tsunami will depend on the specifics of earth deformations, on-land construction, tide level, and other parameters at the time of the tsunami. Actual areas of inundation may differ from areas shown in this dataset. Landslide tsunami sources may not be included in the modeling due to unknown potential impact of such events on a given community; please refer to accompanying report for more information on tsunami sources used for this study. The limits of inundation shown should only be used as a general guideline for emergency planning and response action in the event of a major tsunamigenic earthquake. These results are not intended for any other use, including land-use regulation or actuarial purposes. Any hard copies or published datasets utilizing these datasets shall clearly indicate their source. If the user has modified the data in any way, the user is obligated to describe the types of modifications the user has made. The user specifically agrees not to misrepresent these datasets, nor to imply that changes made by the user were approved by the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys. The State of Alaska makes no express or implied warranties (including warranties for merchantability and fitness) with respect to the character, functions, or capabilities of the electronic data or products or their appropriateness for any user's purposes. In no event will the State of Alaska be liable for any incidental, indirect, special, consequential, or other damages suffered by the user or any other person or entity whether from the use of the electronic services or products or any failure thereof or otherwise. In no event will the State of Alaska's liability to the Requestor or anyone else exceed the fee paid for the electronic service or product., Access Constraints: This report, map, and/or dataset is available directly from the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (see contact information below).
    Bbox East Long -135.290000
    Bbox North Lat 59.493852
    Bbox South Lat 59.080200
    Bbox West Long -135.573580
    Coupled Resource
    Frequency Of Update notPlanned
    Harvest Object Id 935b893a-6a13-45e8-b266-1488ddedb8da
    Harvest Source Id 8f77b6d5-f630-4995-bdf3-0aee7158a7f3
    Harvest Source Title Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys
    Licence The State of Alaska makes no expressed or implied warranties (including warranties for merchantability and fitness) with respect to the character, functions, or capabilities of the electronic data or products or their appropriateness for any user's purposes. In no event will the State of Alaska be liable for any incidental, indirect, special, consequential, or other damages suffered by the user or any other person or entity whether from the use of the electronic services or products or any failure thereof or otherwise. In no event will the State of Alaska's liability to the Requestor or anyone else exceed the fee paid for the electronic service or product.
    Metadata Language eng; USA
    Metadata Type geospatial
    Progress completed
    Spatial Data Service Type
    Spatial Reference System
    Spatial Harvester True
    Temporal Extent Begin 2013-01-01
    Temporal Extent End 2017-01-01

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