California updates tsunami hazard maps for 7 counties

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The California Geological Survey has launched up to date tsunami hazard maps for seven counties to assist customers decide whether or not they’re in areas in danger for inundation and for planning.

The revised interactive maps launched Friday cowl San Diego, Santa Cruz, Ventura, Marin, Sonoma, Solano and Napa counties.

The brand new maps replicate new information and improved pc modeling since an earlier collection of maps was revealed in 2009, in addition to threats from tsunamis originating far-off and domestically, the Geological Survey mentioned in a press launch.

In a single instance of the updates, new modeling for Santa Cruz County reveals {that a} subduction zone earthquake off the Aleutian Islands might unleash a tsunami 18-25 ft (5.5-7.6 meters) above the Santa Cruz Boardwalk, greater than double the peak instructed in 2009, the company mentioned.

The Geological Survey mentioned California’s shores have been struck by greater than 150 tsunamis since 1800, and whereas most had been minor, some have been considerably harmful and lethal.

On March 28, 1964, a tsunami triggered by a strong earthquake in Alaska smashed into Crescent Metropolis, California, hours later. A lot of the enterprise district was leveled and a dozen individuals had been killed.

Extra lately, a tsunami from a 2011 earthquake in Japan prompted about $100 million in harm to California ports and harbors, and ocean surges from final January’s volcanic eruption in Tonga prompted about $10 million in harm to harbors in Santa Cruz and Ventura counties.

The California Geological Survey is a part of the state’s Division of Conservation.