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NASA Satellite Reveals Tsunami Wave Patterns Challenge Norms

12/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On July 29, 2025, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake in the Kuril-Kamchatka subduction zone triggered a Pacific-wide tsunami, and the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite, a NASA–CNES mission, captured high-resolution data.
The SWOT data revealed a complex wave pattern, challenging the view that large tsunamis are non-dispersive.
Researchers say dispersion may significantly affect wave energy distribution and coastal impacts.
The findings were published in The Seismic Record.

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Story summary

On July 29, 2025, a magnitude 8.8 earthquake in the Kuril-Kamchatka subduction zone triggered a Pacific-wide tsunami, and the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite, a NASA–CNES mission, captured high-resolution data.
The SWOT data revealed a complex wave pattern, challenging the view that large tsunamis are non-dispersive.
Researchers say dispersion may significantly affect wave energy distribution and coastal impacts.
The findings were published in The Seismic Record.