Science of Tsunami Hazards (Jan 2002)
TSUNAMI BOOK GIVES A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF ANCIENT FLOODS ON MARS
Abstract
During 2001 Dr Edward Bryant from the University of Wollongong published a book "Tsunami: The Underrated Hazard". He proposes that the best explanation for a range of odd geological features along the south east coast of Australia is that at least one large tsunami struck the coastline around 1500 AD. The book describes these geological features and the mechanisms by which they can be produced by tsunami. The book also covers historical accounts around the world, the physics of tsunami, causes of tsunami and a review of the risk to coastal populations.After reading the book I was keen to visit Wollongong (just two hours drive south of Sydney) and see the evidence myself. By a fortunate coincidence Dr Vic Baker from the University of Arizona was visiting Wolongong at the time. Dr Baker studies evidence of mega-floods on Mars and related features on Earth, such as the Washington Scablands. Early in 2002 I joined Dr Bryant and Dr Baker on a tour of the coast. This informal report describes that fascinating experience.
