Assessment of Tsunami Hazard Along British Columbia Coastlines from Coseismic Sources

Abstract

Recent major tsunamis have demonstrated their potential for widespread destruction and associated danger to human populations. Tsunamis generated from local and distant sources in the Pacific Ocean have impacted the western coast of Canada over time, and destructive tsunamis are expected to affect west coast communities in the future. Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) has undertaken several collaborative tsunami hazard assessment projects along the west coast of Canada (Figure 1) with the goals of (1) identifying and assessing tsunami hazards and risks using tsunami modeling, mapping, community engagement, and Indigenous knowledge; and (2) raising public awareness by producing a documentary film, offering educational programs to K–12 students, and developing tsunami signage and online story maps. This article focuses on tsunami hazard identification through modeling and drawing upon Indigenous knowledge.