Tsunamis can be generated by a variety of mechanisms, like earthquakes, landslides, volcanic activity and atmospheric disturbances. They can cause widespread damage and fatalities in coastal areas, highlighting the urgent need to advance tsunami science towards implementing effective disaster risk reduction measures and developing early warning systems (EWS). In the past 20 years, tsunami science has advanced significantly, branching into new areas. The effectiveness of these efforts was proven, for example, during the tsunami that followed the great Mw8.8 Kamchatka earthquake in July 2025, when timely alerts were issued and likely helped save lives. Nonetheless, other non-seismic events like the 2022 Hunga Tonga tsunami have highlighted persistent challenges in understanding and responding to tsunami hazards. These situations have raised important questions about risk assessment, modeling, and EWS, emphasizing the need for stronger collaboration between scientific and operational communities.
The range of topics currently addressed by the tsunami scientific community includes
-Analytical and numerical modelling of tsunami generation, propagation and inundation from various triggering mechanisms, including single or multi-causative sources (from large subduction to more local earthquakes generated in tectonically complex environments, from subaerial/submarine landslides to volcanic eruptions and atmospheric disturbances)
-Deterministic and probabilistic tsunami hazard, vulnerability, and risk assessments, including a multi-hazard perspective
-Forecasting tsunamis using emerging technologies, such as AI
-EWS, emphasizing innovative marine and seafloor observation methods, sensors and data processing techniques to improve the early characterization of tsunami sources and detection
-Societal and economic impacts of tsunami events on coastal communities
-Hazards perceptions, communication, engagement
-Present and future challenges related to global climate change (e.g. the impact of sea level rise)
The session aims to deepen understanding of tsunamis and improve the ability to build safer, more resilient communities. It welcomes contributions on observation data, real-time networks, modeling, risk assessments, and tools for effective warnings. Submissions on recent events, like the 2025 Kamchatka tsunami, are especially encouraged as they are expected to provide valuable insights for advancing research and improving preparedness strategies.