What are the Capabilities and Limitations of the International Tsunami Warning System (ITWS)?
A tsunami originates in or near the epicentral area of the earthquake that creates it. It propagates outward in all directions at a speed that depends on ocean depths. In the deep ocean the speed may exceed 600 km/s; thus, the need for rapid data handling and communication becomes obvious. Because of the time spent in collecting seismic and tidal data, the warnings issued by PTWC and ATWC (headquarters for international warnings) cannot protect areas against local tsunamis in the first hour after generation; for this purpose, regional warning systems have been established in some areas. The regional systems generally have data from a number of seismic and tide stations telemetered to a central headquarters. Nearby earthquakes are located, usually in 15 minutes or less, and a warning based on seismological evidence is released to the population of the area. Since the warning is issued on the basis of seismic data alone, watches or even warnings will occasionally be issued when tsunamis
Related Questions
- Why is the International Tsunami Warning System (ITWS) and the International Tsunami Information Center (ITIC) one of the most successful international scientific programs in disaster reduction?
- What are the Capabilities and Limitations of the International Tsunami Warning System (ITWS)?
- What did people do before the International Tsunami Warning System was established?
