California Emergency Management Agency State of California

California Geological Survey Tsunami Inundation Map for Emergency Planning County of Humboldt
University of Southern California Eureka Quadrangle 124°7'30"W
40°52'30"N

IN

Y
K
TA

LE

E
C

LL
A

IN
O N

G
U R U 40°52'30"N

TA
VA
H
EQ Y O

AT

N
E M

IT
R

U
N

M
N

O
IM

LA
LO

M
H

SU
K
IL

M
C

O
D

N
O
K
U
N IN

E
YO

E
TA

G
G
N H

ID
LC

ID
A N

IN
U

R
R
C O U

TA
E
H
N G

B
M

M
PA

N
R K TY

ES
FE

U
EE

ES
H
N

O
M
A
A

M
R

SO
C SH

LO

E
IN
E K
LU

IC
R
A

ED
B B

M
E
G
N

S
ID
O
K

IN
E
N
IC

R LM

S
K
SO

TA
N
LA
R

ER
A

A
O

N
N
S

LE
LT

U
H

SH
F

O
JO
O

R
FI

M
H

O
S

S
K

N
R

A
FO

LE
R
O
K
A

E
PE

LS

E
G

TT
ID
TN K
IL
S

PE
A
R
ER

U
M PE

B
H
P
LD
G

TC
M

S
S
D

O
A

IN
O

G
EI
B

LM
C

K
N
R

W
H

P
U
SA

O
C

YO
EN

H
FR
D
A
ID
IN
TR

L
IN
EE

T
EL
TA

IN
R

N
PO
C

TN
N PA
U
ER

A
O

M
R O G
M

N
TH

Y
C H TA

IT
PA
N

IN
PA

SH

TR
H

TI
TH

Y
IT E IT
R

K
O

C M
EE

LA
N

E
M
EE
R

G
SU
A

ER
C

ID
TY
AT

Y
LU
W

N
LY

IS

R
C

EN
LO

B LL
R

M
SA
A

JA
D

-E
IL
W

D
M
R
LO JI
TH

K
K
A

L IN
EE

A
EK

SO

E
IN

TA PE
R

B
R

TA
A

N
C

R
EU

SY
AT

O U
M
N
E

K O
ES
C

LO
PL

M
R

N
A
A

EL

SE
M

EN
E

U
D

O H
SI

R
N

G
O
IR
D
N

G
LA

IN

EK

ES

TN
D
IS

ES IN
E
N

TT

M
L

TT
LA

TA
IN
A

P
U

TA
IB

N
M

U
B
S

EY

B U R
N

A
D

N
A

O A
N

C
N
EL

ER
U
U

B
A

M
IN

O
Q

D
FI
C

IV IG
M

S
R
H

IA

B
A

R
W

M
M

SI
O

D
PO
C

A
M

M
M
YA
H

LE
N
LE
A

A IN
IN
K
N

D E
TI
L

EE

TA
TA
TU

G
VI

N
C

R M ID
R

N
N
ES

N
R

FE PO
C

U R
U
JU
FO

YD

O
L

M AY
W

M
ER

M
H

YA
O

S W
E
O

ER H LF
K
IN

YA

LA

A
EY
K

N
C

W
E

H
B
A
O

W O
LL
ES
PE

IL
D

SH
A

TO
EN

EV
TI

VA
R

PE
R

C
M

G
O

SC

EE
ED

A
ID
YL
PE

C
B
R
R
TA
A

A
B
C

R
LA

40°45'0"N

40°45'0"N

124°7'30"W

METHOD OF PREPARATION MAP EXPLANATION

Initial tsunami modeling was performed by the University of Southern California (USC)
Tsunami Research Center funded through the California Emergency Management Agency
TSUNAMI INUNDATION MAP Tsunami Inundation Line
(CalEMA) by the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program. The tsunami modeling
process utilized the MOST (Method of Splitting Tsunamis) computational program
(Version 0), which allows for wave evolution over a variable bathymetry and topography
used for the inundation mapping (Titov and Gonzalez, 1997; Titov and Synolakis, 1998).
FOR EMERGENCY PLANNING Tsunami Inundation Area

The bathymetric/topographic data that were used in the tsunami models consist of a
series of nested grids. Near-shore grids with a 3 arc-second (75- to 90-meters)
State of California ~ County of Humboldt
resolution or higher, were adjusted to “Mean High Water”sea-level conditions,
representing a conservative sea level for the intended use of the tsunami modeling
EUREKA QUADRANGLE PURPOSE OF THIS MAP
and mapping.
This tsunami inundation map was prepared to assist cities and counties in identifying
A suite of tsunami source events was selected for modeling, representing realistic their tsunami hazard. It is intended for local jurisdictional, coastal evacuation
local and distant earthquakes and hypothetical extreme undersea, near-shore landslides
(Table 1). Local tsunami sources that were considered include offshore reverse-thrust
faults, restraining bends on strike-slip fault zones and large submarine landslides
June 1, 2009 planning uses only. This map, and the information presented herein, is not a legal
document and does not meet disclosure requirements for real estate transactions
nor for any other regulatory purpose.
capable of significant seafloor displacement and tsunami generation. Distant tsunami
sources that were considered include great subduction zone events that are known to SCALE 1:24,000 The inundation map has been compiled with best currently available scientific
have occurred historically (1960 Chile and 1964 Alaska earthquakes) and others which information. The inundation line represents the maximum considered tsunami runup
can occur around the Pacific Ocean “Ring of Fire.” 0.5 0.25 0 0.5 1 from a number of extreme, yet realistic, tsunami sources. Tsunamis are rare events;
Miles due to a lack of known occurrences in the historical record, this map includes no
In order to enhance the result from the 75- to 90-meter inundation grid data, a method information about the probability of any tsunami affecting any area within a specific
1,000 500 0 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 5,000
was developed utilizing higher-resolution digital topographic data (3- to 10-meters period of time.
Feet
resolution) that better defines the location of the maximum inundation line (U.S.
Geological Survey, 1993; Intermap, 2003; NOAA, 2004). The location of the enhanced 0.5 0.25 0 0.5 1
Please refer to the following websites for additional information on the construction
inundation line was determined by using digital imagery and terrain data on a GIS Kilometers
and/or intended use of the tsunami inundation map:
platform with consideration given to historic inundation information (Lander, et al.,
1993). This information was verified, where possible, by field work coordinated with State of California Emergency Management Agency, Earthquake and Tsunami Program:
local county personnel. http://www.oes.ca.gov/WebPage/oeswebsite.nsf/Content/B1EC
51BA215931768825741F005E8D80?OpenDocument
The accuracy of the inundation line shown on these maps is subject to limitations in
the accuracy and completeness of available terrain and tsunami source information, and Table 1: Tsunami sources modeled for the Humboldt County coastline. University of Southern California – Tsunami Research Center:
the current understanding of tsunami generation and propagation phenomena as expressed http://www.usc.edu/dept/tsunamis/2005/index.php
in the models. Thus, although an attempt has been made to identify a credible upper Areas of Inundation Map Coverage and Sources
bound to inundation at any location along the coastline, it remains possible that actual Used State of California Geological Survey Tsunami Information:
inundation could be greater in a major tsunami event. Sources (M = moment magnitude used in modeled event) http://www.conservation.ca.gov/cgs/geologic_hazards/Tsunami/index.htm
Shelter
Yurok Orick Trinidad Humboldt
Cove
This map does not represent inundation from a single scenario event. It was created by Cascadia Subduction Zone-full rupture (M9.0) X X X X National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency Center for Tsunami Research (MOST model):
combining inundation results for an ensemble of source events affecting a given region Cascadia Subduction Zone-south segment, narrow rupture (M8.4) X X X X http://nctr.pmel.noaa.gov/time/background/models.html
(Table 1). For this reason, all of the inundation region in a particular area will not likely Cascadia Subduction Zone-south segment, wide rupture (M8.5) X X X X X
be inundated during a single tsunami event. Local
Sources Cascadia Subduction Zone-south segment and Little Salmon Fault
X X
References: #1 (M8.5)
Cascadia Subduction Zone-south segment and Little Salmon Fault
#2 (M8.5)
X X X X X
MAP BASE
Intermap Technologies, Inc., 2003, Intermap product handbook and quick start guide:
Intermap NEXTmap document on 5-meter resolution data, 112 p. Central Aleutians Subduction Zone #1 (M8.9) X X Topographic base maps prepared by U.S. Geological Survey as part of the 7.5-minute
Central Aleutians Subduction Zone #2 (M8.9) X X Quadrangle Map Series (originally 1:24,000 scale). Tsunami inundation line
Lander, J.F., Lockridge, P.A., and Kozuch, M.J., 1993, Tsunamis Affecting the West Coast Central Aleutians Subduction Zone #3 (M9.2) X X X X X boundaries may reflect updated digital orthophotographic and topographic data that
of the United States 1806-1992: National Geophysical Data Center Key to Geophysical Chile North Subduction Zone (M9.4) X X can differ significantly from contours shown on the base map.
Record Documentation No. 29, NOAA, NESDIS, NGDC, 242 p. 1960 Chile Earthquake (M9.3) X X
Distant
1964 Alaska Earthquake (M9.2) X X X X X
Sources
National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration (NOAA), 2004, Interferometric Japan Subduction Zone #2 (M8.8) X X
Synthetic Aperture Radar (IfSAR) Digital Elevation Models from GeoSAR platform (EarthData):
3-meter resolution data.
Kuril Islands Subduction Zone #2 (M8.8)
Kuril Islands Subduction Zone #3 (M8.8)
X
X
X
X
DISCLAIMER
Kuril Islands Subduction Zone #4 (M8.8) X X
Titov, V.V., and Gonzalez, F.I., 1997, Implementation and Testing of the Method of Tsunami Marianas Subduction Zone (M8.6) X X X X X
Splitting (MOST): NOAA Technical Memorandum ERL PMEL – 112, 11 p. The California Emergency Management Agency (CalEMA), the University of Southern
California (USC), and the California Geological Survey (CGS) make no representation
Titov, V.V., and Synolakis, C.E., 1998, Numerical modeling of tidal wave runup: or warranties regarding the accuracy of this inundation map nor the data from which
Journal of Waterways, Port, Coastal and Ocean Engineering, ASCE, 124 (4), pp 157-171. the map was derived. Neither the State of California nor USC shall be liable under any
circumstances for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages
U.S. Geological Survey, 1993, Digital Elevation Models: National Mapping Program, with respect to any claim by any user or any third party on account of or arising from
Technical Instructions, Data Users Guide 5, 48 p. the use of this map.
Note:

The inundation line for portions of Humboldt County were developed with the assistance
of Jay Patton, Lori Dengler, and other members of the Redwood Coast Tsunami Work Group.
The inundation line represented on this map is a product of both the methodology outlined above,
as well as the method and local knowledge described in the following references:

Patton, J.R., and Dengler, L.A., 2006, Relative tsunami hazard mapping for Humboldt and
Del Norte Counties, California: Proceedings of the 8NCEE/EERI Eighth Earthquake Engineering
Conference.

Patton, J.R., and Dengler, L.A., 2004, GIS-based relative tsunami hazard maps for northern
California, Humboldt and Del Norte Counties: (abs.) Eos Trans. American Geophysical Union,
Vol. 85, No. 47, Fall Meeting Supplement.