TB 144 - Tsunami Flashcards
According to TB 144 tsunamis can reach speeds of how fast?
600 mph
In terms of consequence and frequency, TB 144 characterizes Tsunamis to be a what kind of risk?
Low frequency, high consequence events
Tsunamis are classified as local or distant. Local tsunamis are considered rare, however Travel time for a local tsunami is what?
5 to 30 minutes
Tsunamis of a distant origin are said to reach coasts in what time frame?
5 1/2hrs to 18 hrs
What 3 battalions are included in the predicted “worst case scenario” mapping for Lafd?
Battalions 3, 6 , 9
How many centers are there for alert and notifications of tsunamis? Where are they located?
2 centers
WC/ATWC = west coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning center (palmer, Alaska)
Hawaii based pacific tsunami warning center (Honolulu)
The 2 centers for alert and notifications of tsunamis are known as
WC/ATWC and the pacific Tsunami Warning center, they are warning systems for what type of tsunami, local or distant?
Effective of distant tsunamis only
California is vulnerable to what type of tsunamis? Local or distant?
Local - current warning system does not fully meet Californias needs.
According to TB 144 an earthquake felt along the coastal areas of the city lasting longer than how many seconds should be considered a warning sign ?
20 seconds
According to TB 144 what might be the first visible indication of an approaching local tsunami?
The recession of water
The WC/ATWC updates messages how often during an alert?
30min
How many types of tsunami alerts are there?
7 types - warning, watch, advisory, information bulletin, information message, cancellation, communication test.
Tsunami warning - explain it, break it down
Highest level - size of quake 7.1 - 7.5 : warning issued of 217.5 miles (350km) on either side of epicenter
7.5 or greater - issued within 3hr tsunami travel time zone
Tsunami advisory - what is it, break it down
Issues this type of advisory for an event outside its area of responsibility or threat. Basically just advising to monitor the situation but a tsunami advisory is OUTSIDE the area of threat, outside of the areas for warning or watch.
Tsunami watch - what is it, break it down
It’s the second highest level of alert.
Given to areas outside of the “warning” areas.
7.5 or greater watches are sent to areas within a 3 -6 hour tsunami travel time zone.
Tsunami information bulletins - what are they, break it down
Information bulletins are issued to participants to advise them on activity and basically evaluating the situation on 3 levels
- Earthquake happened no danger as of now
- That a tsunami Capable of causing destruction beyond local area has been generated
- There is a probability of a tsunami and to advise that a tsunami investigation is underway
Tsunami information message - what is it, break it down
Information messages are when smaller earthquakes occur (less than the warning threshold) and are felt, main objective is to assure residents that there is no tsunami threat and that they are aware of the small event
Tsunami alert cancellation - what is it, break it down
Will be sent when danger of tsunami has passed. Some strong currents may still be present
Tsunami communication test - what is it, break it down
The WC/ATWC issues unannounced test messages on a monthly basis to determine delays of the information getting out.
In the event of a local tsunami, according to TB 144 which wave will be the largest wave?
The first wave will be the largest
Who is responsible for notifying LAFD about all tsunami warning, watches and advisories? Who is the predetermined point of contact for these notifications?
LAcoFD is responsible for notifying LAFD via Metro as their point of contact
Tsunami timeline - TB 144 breaks down a timeline for tsunami arrivals. What are the 3 time groups?
0-4 hrs
4-8 hrs
8hrs or more
How many levels are there for LAFDs Tsunami modes?
Level 1 -3 : level 3 being the highest/most severe
During activation of level III tsunami mode all fireboats will go out to sea to a minimum of what depth?
1000 feet minimum
