Tsunami inundation maps for Juneau, Alaska

In this report, we evaluate potential tsunami hazards for the southeastern Alaska community of Juneau and numerically model the extent of inundation from tsunami waves generated by tectonic and submarine landslide sources. We calibrate our tsunami model by numerically simulating the 2011 Tohoku tsunami at Juneau and comparing our results to instrument records. Analysis of calculated and observed water level dynamics for the 2011 event in Juneau reveals that the model underestimates the observed wave heights in the city by a factor of two, likely due to complex tsunami-tide interactions. We compensate for this numerical underestimation by doubling the coseismic slip of the hypothetical tsunami sources in our models. Potential hypothetical maximum credible tsunami sources include variations of the extended 1964 rupture and megathrust earthquakes in the Prince William Sound and Alaska Peninsula regions. Local underwater landslide events in Lynn Canal, in Favorite, Saginaw, and Gastineau channels, and in Taku Inlet are also considered as possible tsunamigenic scenarios. The results show that the maximum predicted wave height in the Juneau area resulting from a tectonic tsunami is 2-3 m (6-10 ft), while a landslide-generated tsunami may cause a run-up of 15-16 m (49-52 ft) along the Fritz Cove shoreline and potentially flood portions of the airport. Results presented here are intended to provide guidance to local emergency management agencies in tsunami inundation assessment, evacuation planning, and public education to mitigate future tsunami hazards.

Data e Risorse

Campo Valore
access_constraints ["Use Constraints: This dataset includes results of numerical modeling of earthquake-generated tsunami waves for a specific community. Modeling was completed using the best information and tsunami modeling software available at the time of analysis. They are numerical solutions and, while they are believed to be accurate, their ultimate accuracy during an actual tsunami will depend on the specifics of earth deformations, on-land construction, tide level, and other parameters at the time of the tsunami. Actual areas of inundation may differ from areas shown in this dataset. Landslide tsunami sources may not be included in the modeling due to unknown potential impact of such events on a given community; please refer to accompanying report for more information on tsunami sources used for this study. The limits of inundation shown should only be used as a general guideline for emergency planning and response action in the event of a major tsunamigenic earthquake. These results are not intended for any other use, including land-use regulation or actuarial purposes. Any hard copies or published datasets utilizing these datasets shall clearly indicate their source. If the user has modified the data in any way, the user is obligated to describe the types of modifications the user has made. The user specifically agrees not to misrepresent these datasets, nor to imply that changes made by the user were approved by the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys. The State of Alaska makes no express or implied warranties (including warranties for merchantability and fitness) with respect to the character, functions, or capabilities of the electronic data or products or their appropriateness for any user's purposes. In no event will the State of Alaska be liable for any incidental, indirect, special, consequential, or other damages suffered by the user or any other person or entity whether from the use of the electronic services or products or any failure thereof or otherwise. In no event will the State of Alaska's liability to the Requestor or anyone else exceed the fee paid for the electronic service or product.", "Access Constraints: This report, map, and/or dataset is available directly from the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys (see contact information below)."]
bbox-east-long -134.150000
bbox-north-lat 58.690222
bbox-south-lat 58.180000
bbox-west-long -135.010247
contact-email dggspubs@alaska.gov
coupled-resource []
dataset-reference-date [{"type": "publication", "value": "2017-01-01"}]
frequency-of-update notPlanned
licence ["The State of Alaska makes no expressed or implied warranties (including warranties for merchantability and fitness) with respect to the character, functions, or capabilities of the electronic data or products or their appropriateness for any user's purposes. In no event will the State of Alaska be liable for any incidental, indirect, special, consequential, or other damages suffered by the user or any other person or entity whether from the use of the electronic services or products or any failure thereof or otherwise. In no event will the State of Alaska's liability to the Requestor or anyone else exceed the fee paid for the electronic service or product."]
metadata-date 2017-09-27
metadata-language eng; USA
metadata_type geospatial
progress completed
resource-type dataset
responsible-party [{"name": "Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys", "roles": ["pointOfContact"]}]
spatial {"type": "Polygon", "coordinates": [[[-135.010247, 58.18], [-134.15, 58.18], [-134.15, 58.690222], [-135.010247, 58.690222], [-135.010247, 58.18]]]}
spatial_harvester true
temporal-extent-begin 2011-01-01
temporal-extent-end 2017-01-01
Gruppi
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  • National Provider
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Tag
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  • amerigeoss
  • bathymetry
  • berners-bay
  • ckan
  • coastal
  • douglas
  • douglas-island
  • eagle-river
  • earthquake
  • engineering
  • environmental
  • faults
  • favorite-channel
  • flood
  • fritz-cove
  • geo
  • geologic
  • geology
  • geoss
  • geotechnical
  • hazards
  • inundation
  • juneau
  • landslide
  • marine
  • mendenhall-river
  • modeling
  • national
  • north-america
  • regional
  • rockfall
  • saginaw-channel
  • sediment
  • sedimentation
  • sheep-creek
  • slides
  • slope
  • slump
  • southeast-alaska
  • subduction
  • subsidence
  • surface
  • taku-inlet
  • tectonics
  • topography
  • tsunami
  • united-states
  • uplift
  • water
isopen False
metadata_created 2025-11-21T11:19:52.927240
metadata_modified 2025-11-21T11:19:52.927244
notes In this report, we evaluate potential tsunami hazards for the southeastern Alaska community of Juneau and numerically model the extent of inundation from tsunami waves generated by tectonic and submarine landslide sources. We calibrate our tsunami model by numerically simulating the 2011 Tohoku tsunami at Juneau and comparing our results to instrument records. Analysis of calculated and observed water level dynamics for the 2011 event in Juneau reveals that the model underestimates the observed wave heights in the city by a factor of two, likely due to complex tsunami-tide interactions. We compensate for this numerical underestimation by doubling the coseismic slip of the hypothetical tsunami sources in our models. Potential hypothetical maximum credible tsunami sources include variations of the extended 1964 rupture and megathrust earthquakes in the Prince William Sound and Alaska Peninsula regions. Local underwater landslide events in Lynn Canal, in Favorite, Saginaw, and Gastineau channels, and in Taku Inlet are also considered as possible tsunamigenic scenarios. The results show that the maximum predicted wave height in the Juneau area resulting from a tectonic tsunami is 2-3 m (6-10 ft), while a landslide-generated tsunami may cause a run-up of 15-16 m (49-52 ft) along the Fritz Cove shoreline and potentially flood portions of the airport. Results presented here are intended to provide guidance to local emergency management agencies in tsunami inundation assessment, evacuation planning, and public education to mitigate future tsunami hazards.
num_resources 6
num_tags 50
title Tsunami inundation maps for Juneau, Alaska