TSUNAMIS - SEISMOLOGICAL AND DISASTER PREVENTION STUDIES

Japanese tsunami studies in the 1980's are reviewed. Because of the mu lti-disciplinary nature of the phenomenon, tsunamis are studied by res earchers from various fields, including seismologists, geologists, oce anographers and coastal engineers. The tsunami from the 1983 Japan Sea earthquake caused 100 fatalities, and stimulated tsunami research, co operation of workers from various fields for comprehensive work, and d evelopment of a quick tsunami warning system. Recent research developm ents include descriptive studies of the size and location of past tsun amis, tsunami observational systems, the generation and propagation of tsunamis, coastal effects, and a tsunami warning system.