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Ancient Coral Reveals Tsunami Threat for Caribbean Preparedness

1/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

New research shows coral skeletons from a tsunami over 630 years ago can warn the Caribbean.
An earthquake over magnitude 8.0 struck the northeastern Caribbean between 1381 and 1391, triggering a tsunami to Anegada.
The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, used coral dating techniques to establish the tsunami timeline.
Scientists including Professor Brian Atwater and Professor Hali Kilbourne say the findings support future tsunami preparedness.

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Story summary

New research shows coral skeletons from a tsunami over 630 years ago can warn the Caribbean.
An earthquake over magnitude 8.0 struck the northeastern Caribbean between 1381 and 1391, triggering a tsunami to Anegada.
The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, used coral dating techniques to establish the tsunami timeline.
Scientists including Professor Brian Atwater and Professor Hali Kilbourne say the findings support future tsunami preparedness.