Summary of 2004 Sumatran Earthquake

As you have learned first-hand from the data presented here, tsunamis have the capacity to flood low-lying coastlines and can push waves of water inland for 100s of meters if not several kilometers under the right geographic conditions. In the images studied on the website and historical imagery on Google Earth, it is easy to see how far inland the tsunami impacted. The main community was located some distance inland from the coast and was relatively protected by a buffer of vegetated lands that included agricultural areas. Cyclones that impact the region have dictated the need for this buffer and communities have responded by building inland. Nevertheless, the tsunami flattened almost the entire region. One of the only buildings that survived the event, although severely damaged, was the local mosque which can be seen near the crossroads of the major roads.

Take away what you will, but by studying a case example like this unfortunate event, geoscientists collect incredibly important information that is absolutely critical in helping to develop plans for mitigating and or adapting to similar events that will occur in the future. Unfortunately, many times the findings often don't get to people on the ground until years, if not decades after such events – sometimes, after rebuilding has taken place. You may have noticed in the reading that large tsunamis are relatively infrequent with some happening decades apart; however, you may have also seen where they can also be more frequent as in the case of the 1960 Chile and the 1964 Alaskan events, or the 2004 Sumatra, the 2005 Sumatra, and the 2007 Sumatra earthquakes. Suffice it to say that it is critical that the general public becomes educated on the topic. Moreover, it is also important for government agencies and political leaders to act on these data and become active in the process of helping to protect life, resources, and infrastructure in new and creative ways so we can avoid such catastrophic loss of life in the future. By enrolling in this course, you are to be applauded for taking an important step forward.