Australia has all but escaped the wrath of a Pacific Ocean tsunami triggered by a devastating 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the coast of central Chile. The earthquake struck off the coast of central Chile about 5.30pm (AEDT) on Saturday, killing hundreds and sending shockwaves throughout the Pacific.
Beaches today on Sunday were closed and emergency services were on patrol as the brunt of the tsunami waves travelled in a northwest direction, narrowly missing Australia's east coast. But tsunami waves were recorded along the NSW, Queensland and Tasmanian coasts, with Norfolk Island recording a 50cm surge in sea levels. The Gold Coast saw a 20cm increase in sea levels. In Tasmania, Southport and Darlington experienced a 17cm increase.
The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC) issued a tsunami alert, declaring a "potential tsunami threat" for Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island.
Dangerous waves and foreshore flooding listed in the warnings did not eventuate but the JATWC was focused on strong ocean currents affecting people in boats or in the water.
"In all likelihood (the tsunami warning) will be cancelled later today or tonight." The JATWC rep, Mr Hainsworth said shockwaves from an underwater 8.8-magnitude earthquake could be devastating.
"We in Australia have been very, very lucky indeed," Mr Hainsworth said.
"The focus of the energy from the earthquake was definitely to the northwest from South America.
"So we were much on the periphery of the seismic seawave events."
But JATWC kept its tsunami warning in place for Sunday, because the quick changes in sea levels around Australia's east coast could cause severe currents.
So tomorrow, the surf dudes can hit the waves again... or is it too early to venture in????
February 28, 2010
TSUNAMI: THE RIPPLE MISSED THIS SHORE..PHEW!
Australia has all but escaped the wrath of a Pacific Ocean tsunami triggered by a devastating 8.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the coast of central Chile. The earthquake struck off the coast of central Chile about 5.30pm (AEDT) on Saturday, killing hundreds and sending shockwaves throughout the Pacific.
Beaches today on Sunday were closed and emergency services were on patrol as the brunt of the tsunami waves travelled in a northwest direction, narrowly missing Australia's east coast. But tsunami waves were recorded along the NSW, Queensland and Tasmanian coasts, with Norfolk Island recording a 50cm surge in sea levels. The Gold Coast saw a 20cm increase in sea levels. In Tasmania, Southport and Darlington experienced a 17cm increase.
The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre (JATWC) issued a tsunami alert, declaring a "potential tsunami threat" for Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island.
Dangerous waves and foreshore flooding listed in the warnings did not eventuate but the JATWC was focused on strong ocean currents affecting people in boats or in the water.
"In all likelihood (the tsunami warning) will be cancelled later today or tonight." The JATWC rep, Mr Hainsworth said shockwaves from an underwater 8.8-magnitude earthquake could be devastating.
"We in Australia have been very, very lucky indeed," Mr Hainsworth said.
"The focus of the energy from the earthquake was definitely to the northwest from South America.
"So we were much on the periphery of the seismic seawave events."
But JATWC kept its tsunami warning in place for Sunday, because the quick changes in sea levels around Australia's east coast could cause severe currents.
So tomorrow, the surf dudes can hit the waves again... or is it too early to venture in????
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment