THE 1994 SHIKOTAN EARTHQUAKE TSUNAMIS

The 1994 Shikotan earthquake was one of the greatest earthquakes in re cent years with a magnitude of M(s) 8.0. A tsunami survey was conducte d by Russian and U.S. geophysicists from October 16-30, 1994, less tha n two weeks after the earthquake. The survey results and a numerical h indcast simulation are reported. Tsunami focusing effect at locations supposedly sheltered by the island chain is discussed. Based on the ob tained data, tsunamis which attacked Shikotan Island are characterized as long waves (the order of 10-20 min wave period) with a positive le ading wave. Possible consequences of the positive leading wave form ar e discussed in relation to the observed minimal destruction of beach v egetation and relatively small transport of marine sediment onto the s hore. The high-quality tide-gage record in Malokurilskaya Bay indicate s the occurrence of a 53 cm subsidence at the site.