Tsunami Run-up Prediction for Seaside, Oregon with My World GIS

Michael R. Taber, Colorado College, mike.taber@coloradocollege.edu
Betsy Youngman, betsy.youngman@gmail.com
Dr. Liping Di, George Mason University, ldi@gmu.edu
Frank Granshaw
Wei Luo, Northern Illinois University (NIU), wluo@niu.edu
Dr. Meixia Deng, George Mason University

Published: December 2010. Last Updated: May 2011.

Description

Screen capture of GeoBrain DEM explorer interface.

Note: This chapter was retired in October 2022. The visualization tool (My World GIS) is no longer supported.

In this chapter, you will use Geobrain Online Analysis System (GeOnAS) to access, view, and process digital elevation model (DEM) data. This DEM data will then be imported into My World GISTM in order to visualize the potential sea-level rise that could occur during a tsunami run-up event near Seaside, Oregon. In My World GIS, the DEM contours will be overlaid with additional geographic data, such as roads and schools, allowing you to see the potential impact of a tsunami event on transportation, infrastructure, housing, and natural habitat in this region.

In the aftermath of the devastating 2004 tsunami that hit the Indian Ocean, coastal countries have been concerned about the potential threat of tsunami destruction. Citizens and governments feel compelled to be informed about the potential impact of a tsunami run-up in their own region.

Your task in this chapter is to identify the potential consequences of a five, fifteen, and twenty-meter sea level rise due to a tsunami run-up on the Oregon coast near the town of Seaside. Once you have evaluated the region of potential inundation with My World GIS, you will plan evacuation routes for two schools in the town of Seaside.

This chapter is part of the Earth Exploration Toolbook. Each chapter provides teachers and/or students with direct practice for using scientific tools to analyze Earth science data. Students should begin on the Case Study page.


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