Tsunami Disaster: Scientists model the big quake and its consequences

Science News ^ | 01/08/05 | Sid Perkins

[IonImplantGuru]

[snip]

In all, slippage occurred along about 1,200 km of the interface between the tectonic plates—a distance that would span California from north to south with about 100 km to spare. At some spots along the interface, one plate may have slid as much as 20 meters past the other, says Ji.

In the most-affected region, a broad expanse of seafloor—and thus the sea above it—was abruptly thrust upward as much as 5 m. The waves spilling away from that sudden bump raced across the Indian Ocean at jetliner speeds, says Ji. The first tsunami may have been 15 m high when it slammed into Sumatran shores about 15 minutes after the quake. [snip]

[IonImplantGuru]

Looking at the diagram, one can see why such a savage tsunami was directed at western Sumatra. Not only did the seabed rise 16 feet at the plate boundry offshore, but the seabed near the coast dropped 6 feet(and the coast itself dropped dropped up 3 feet near Banda Aceh).

[IonImplantGuru]

For the science ping list.

[The Ghost of FReepers Past]

Isn't the whole process very interesting? Wow.

[billorites]

"Isn't the whole process very interesting? Wow"

Fascinating, yes.

I'm particularly intrigued by how the change in the earth's distribution of mass has an effect on rate of angular rotation hence the length of the day.

[billorites]

"Isn't the whole process very interesting? Wow"

Fascinating, yes.

I'm particularly intrigued by how the change in the earth's distribution of mass has an effect on rate of angular rotation hence the length of the day.

[LasVegasMac]

Amazing stuff.

Is there a way to calculate / guess the mass (Indian plate) required to increase the Earth's rotation speed by the time stated?

I would do the necessary calculations myself but there is not a Holiday Inn Express anywhere near me.

LVM

[PatrickHenry]

Thanks for the ping, but I don't think my list is interested in tsunamis. If I'm wrong, they'll show up anyway and let me know.

[Mike Darancette]

This should generate some magma.

[GSlob]

"(and the coast itself dropped dropped up 3 feet near Banda Aceh)."
Well, if things can drop up, then one can reverse gravity. With managed gravity, unimaginable future is right upon us. Congratulations to all involved in achieving this milestone. Bonuses are in the mail.

[Red Sea Swimmer]

This science report is completely bogus.

Everyone knows it was Albanian spies in mini-subs who fired thermonuclear devices into the sea floor after they had left the submarine mothership His Majesty's Albanian Ship, the Hoxha, on the day after Christmas 2004.

(Please note...The HMAS Hoxha is not listed in Janes Defence Weekly as it has been roaming undetected around the worlds oceans since April 11, 1985 and is powered by a perpetual motion machine invented by Tito's grandson-in-law who is also the chef on board.)

[ex-Texan]

Tsunami Victims Targeted for: Sex Slavery, Organs, Forced Labor