WG2: Tsunami Detection, Analysis and Forecasting

Purpose: To review and recommend to the ICG priorities and actions required to ensure and enhance existing capabilities as well as explore new technologies to improve tsunami detection and forecasting capability.

Leadership: 

- Chair: Elizabeth Vanacore (USA)

- Vice Chairs for Subgroups

- Tsunami Source Identification and Characterization: Dan McNamara (USA)

- Tsunami Detection: Gloria Romero (Venezuela)

- Tsunami Forecasting: Chris Moore (USA)

Tasks:

General

- Support the operations of a fully interoperable regional tsunami warning system.

- Support and integrate the work of the subgroups.

- Present a progress report based on the Key Performance Indicators related to the UN ODTP.

- Establish strategies to enhance the warning system by including the detection, analysis and forecasting of other coastal hazards.

- Promote the sharing of experience and expertise, and capacity building essential to effective tsunami source characterization, detection and forecasting.

2.1 Tsunami Source Detection, Identification and Characterization

- Ensure the effectiveness of the observational system by promoting the open exchange of seismic and other relevant data in real time.

- Advise member states on the monitoring and detection capabilities of tsunamigenic sources needed for operating national tsunami warning centre.

- Assure the compliance with the agreed standards for the detection systems.

2.2 Tsunami Wave Detection

- Ensure the effectiveness of the observational system by promoting the open exchange of sea level data in real time.

- Advise member states on the tsunami monitoring and detection capabilities needed for operating national tsunami warning centres.

- Assure the compliance with the agreed standards for the tsunami detection systems.

2.3 Tsunami Forecasting

- Define the operational requirements for the monitoring and forecasting systems.

- Provide guidance on tsunami forecasting tools to TSPs, NTWCs and provide actionable information to emergency managers.

- Explore, experiment and test novel approaches for tsunami forecasting.

Please note that the structure of ICG/CARIBE-EWS Working Groups was updated and modified at ICG/CARIBE-EWS-XVI in April 2023. The webpage for the previous (now outdated and defunct) WG2 on Tsunami Hazard Assessment is available here.