US-French SWOT Satellite Tracks Tsunami After Earthquake
SWOT Satellite Data Enhances Tsunami Forecasting After Pacific Quake
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The recent measurements from the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite are proving invaluable in refining tsunami forecasting models, following a significant earthquake in the Pacific Ocean. Developed jointly by NASA and CNES (the French space agency), wiht contributions from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the UK Space Agency, SWOT is demonstrating its potential to dramatically improve our ability to predict and prepare for these devastating natural disasters.
Understanding the Power of Tsunamis
Tsunamis, often mistakenly referred to simply as “large waves,” are far more complex and powerful than typical ocean swells. As Ben Hamlington, an oceanographer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California, explains, “A tall wave might not seem like much, but tsunamis are waves that extend from the seafloor to the ocean’s surface.” This immense vertical column of water is what gives tsunamis their destructive force. What appears as a subtle disturbance - perhaps only a foot or two high – in the open ocean can rapidly grow into a massive 30-foot wave as it approaches shallower coastal waters.
This conversion is critical to understand,and accurate forecasting relies on detailed data about the tsunami’s characteristics as it travels across the ocean.
How SWOT is Improving Tsunami Prediction
The NOAA Center for Tsunami Research is leveraging the data collected by SWOT to enhance its existing tsunami forecast model. This model utilizes a combination of pre-calculated earthquake-tsunami scenarios, based on ancient events, and real-time observations from ocean sensors. SWOT’s contribution lies in providing crucial facts about the tsunami’s height, shape, and direction.
“the satellite observations help researchers to better reverse engineer the cause of a tsunami, and in this case, they also showed us that NOAA’s tsunami forecast was right on the money,” says Josh Willis, a JPL oceanographer.
Recent testing by Vasily Titov, chief scientist at the NOAA Center for Tsunami Research in Seattle, has yielded promising results. “It suggests SWOT data could substantially enhance operational tsunami forecasts – a capability sought as the 2004 Sumatra event,” Titov stated.The 2004 Sumatra tsunami, triggered by a devastating earthquake, tragically killed thousands and caused widespread destruction, highlighting the urgent need for improved warning systems.
The technology Behind SWOT’s Success
SWOT’s ability to measure these critical tsunami characteristics stems from its advanced instrumentation. The satellite is equipped with:
ka-band Radar Interferometer (KaRIn): Provides precise measurements of water surface height.
GPS Science Receiver: Accurately determines the satellite’s position.
Laser Retroreflector: Supports independent orbit determination.
Two-Beam Microwave Radiometer: Measures atmospheric effects on radar signals.
* Dual Frequency Poseidon Altimeter: developed by Thales Alenia Space, this altimeter contributes to height measurements.
NASA provided the KaRIn instrument, GPS receiver, laser retroreflector, and microwave radiometer, while CNES supplied the Poseidon altimeter, satellite platform, and ground operations. The CSA contributed the KaRIn high-power transmitter assembly. This international collaboration underscores the global importance of tsunami preparedness.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Enhanced Tsunami Warnings
The successful integration of SWOT data into tsunami forecasting represents a significant step forward in protecting coastal communities. By providing more accurate and timely predictions, we can improve evacuation procedures, minimize damage, and ultimately save lives.
The data collected by SWOT isn’t limited to tsunami monitoring; it’s also being used to study other aspects of ocean dynamics, including sea level rise, freshwater resources, and ocean currents. This multi-faceted approach highlights the broad scientific value of this groundbreaking satellite mission.
To learn more about the SWOT mission and its ongoing contributions, visit https://swot.jpl.nasa.gov.
Media Contact:
Jane J. Lee / Andrew Wang
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.
818-354-0307 / 626-379-6874
jane.j.lee@jpl.nasa.gov / [andrew.wang@jpl.nasa.gov](mailto:andrew.wang@jpl.