NOAA map predicts tsunami wave heights around the Pacific Rim

This graphic shows the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's predictions of the maximum heights of tsunami waves caused by the March 11 earthquake near Sendai, Japan.

NOAA Center for Tsunami Research

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This graphic shows the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's predictions of the maximum heights of tsunami waves caused by the March 11 earthquake near Sendai, Japan. The wave heights will decrease as the waves cross the deep Pacific Basin but rise again as they approach shorelines, although they won't be as high as they were around Japan. The map shows waves of 30 to 70 centimeters (1.0 feet to 2.3 feet) are predicted to hit New Zealand, the South Pacific islands, Hawaii and the western coast of North America.

NOAA's Pacific Tsunami Warning Center has detailed warnings and measurements.

NOAA scientists predict these wave heights using data gathered from buoys scattered around the Pacific Rim.

–Francie Diep

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