We model the 1964 Alaska tsunami, because this event is probably the worst case scenario of a tsunami for many Alaska coastal communities. The Great Alaska Earthquake of March 28, 1964 generated the most destructive tsunami observed in Alaska and the west coast of the United States and Canada. Tsunami waves accounted for 106 of the 115 fatalities associated with the earthquake (Lander, 1996). Damage to Alaska coastal communities was $80 million. A number of coastal towns were tragically inundated and suffered severe damage. This tsunami event was extensively studied (Wilson and Torum, 1968), and many communities have historical observations of the inundation zones and wave heights. It helps us to validate the numerical model used in this study.

This photo was taken by the U.S. Department of the Interior at Seward, Alaska, at the north end of Resurrection Bay, showing overturned ship, and demolished Texaco chemical truck. 11 people lost their lives due to the sea waves at Seward.