Installation of a tsunami early warning system in the Indian Ocean

ABSTRACT

The aim of the work described in this talk is the implementation of an effective Tsunami Early Warning System for the Indian Ocean, that can later be expanded to cover the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The Tsunami Early Warning System is a component part of an Early Warning System that will also be capable of registering other natural disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The system integrates terrestrial observation networks of seismology und geodesy with marine measurements techniques and satellite observations. The required R & D work will be realized within the framework of a stage-plan, which will, within a short time span of 1-3 years, be able to provide effective protection on the one hand and, which will also allow for an unproblematic incorporation of technological developments, currently undergoing further research. The initiative will be coordinated by the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers (HGF), represented by the GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam (GFZ).In view of the geological situation one has to bear in mind that Indonesia especially, due to the fact that the main islands are located next to and above the Sunda seismogenic zone, could most frequently and most intensively in the future be prone to catastrophic Tsunami events. The envisaged Early Warning System for the Indian Ocean consists of multi components. On the basis of the data and recordings registered a warning can be generated.This presentation gives insight into the creation of the 26. December 2004 Tsunami, introduces the planned technical realization of the Early Warning System, shows first model scenarios and gives an overview of the planned realization of an Early Warning System in the Indian Ocean.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.3 INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
      H.3.4 Systems and Software
          Subjects: Current awareness systems (selective dissemination of information--SDI)**

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.3 INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
      H.3.4 Systems and Software
          Subjects: User profiles and alert services

General Terms:
Design, Experimentation, Human Factors