pdf WP013: Understanding Risk to National Antarctic Program Operations and Personnel in Coastal Antarctica from Tsunami Events Popular

ATCM XXXV and CEP XV 2012, Hobart, Australia

Working Paper

WP013: Understanding Risk to National Antarctic Program Operations and Personnel in Coastal Antarctica from Tsunami Events (with COMNAP)

Submitted: 25/04/2012

Summary:

At ATCMXXXIV, Argentina introduced WP002 rev.1 which proposed, inter alia, that “COMNAP could be asked to provide an analysis of the risks to Antarctic bases and operations and to establish an early warning system for the arrival of tsunamis along the coasts of Antarctica”. COMNAP completed a preliminary analysis (see report at Attachment 1) which was presented at the COMNAP AGM (August 2011). SCAR reviewed the preliminary report and provided feedback and additional information which form part of this joint Working Paper.

The preliminary analysis shows that risks of a moderate to concerning level to National Antarctic Program operations and personnel in coastal Antarctica from tsunami may arise on occasion. This risk was identified by running models from historic events and examining tide gauge records.

It is recommended that organisations with expertise in tsunami detection, modeling, research and warning system management should work together with COMNAP and SCAR on the next phase of this project, namely, to develop a simple, cost-effective, practical tsunami warning communications plan and tsunami awareness education materials.

See also Attachment 15 ( pdf ATT015 (4.20 MB) ).