When was the last tsunami in Samoa?
September 29, 2009
On September 29, 2009, two large earthquakes struck midway between Samoa and American Samoa, a U.S. territory. The earthquakes generated tsunami waves of up to 22 meters (72 feet) that engulfed the shores, killing at least 192 people—149 in Samoa, 34 in American Samoa, and 9 in Niuatoputapu, Tonga.
When was the Samoa tsunami?
September 29, 2009, 10:48 AM PDT
2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami/Start dates
Why did the Samoa tsunami in 2009 happen?
The September 2009 Samoa tsunami was generated by an unusual type of earthquake that occurs near ocean trenches. Outer-rise earthquakes are caused by stresses in the subducting, oceanic plate induced by bending as the plate enters the trench.
How fast was the 2009 Samoa tsunami?
The submarine earthquake occurred in an extensional environment and had a moment magnitude of 8.1 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of VI (Strong). It was the largest earthquake of 2009….2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami.
| UTC time | 2009-09-29 17:48:10 |
|---|---|
| Local date | 29 September 2009 |
| Local time | 06:48:10 |
| Magnitude | 8.1 Mw |
| Depth | 15 km (9.3 mi) |
How did the 2009 Samoa tsunami happen?
Where did the Samoa tsunami occur?
The 2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami took place on 29 September 2009 in the southern Pacific Ocean adjacent to the Kermadec-Tonga subduction zone. The submarine earthquake occurred in an extensional environment and had a moment magnitude of 8.1 and a maximum Mercalli intensity of VI (Strong).
What natural disasters occur in Samoa?
Samoa is located in a seismic zone called the “Ring of Fire” and is subject to earthquakes. An earthquake of magnitude 8.3 struck Samoa on 29 September 2009, which triggered a devastating tsunami. The tropical cyclone season normally runs from November to the end of April. Flooding can occur.
What caused the tsunami in Samoa 2009?
Is Samoa in the Ring of Fire?
The 2009 Samoa earthquake and tsunami took place on 29 September 2009 in the southern Pacific Ocean adjacent to the Kermadec-Tonga subduction zone. This is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic plates in the Earth’s lithosphere meet and earthquakes and volcanic activity are common.