New Model of the Barry Arm Landslide in Alaska Reveals Potential Tsunami Wave Heights of 2 Meters, Values Much Lower Than Previously Estimated

Fact Sheet 2022-3020
By: , and 

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Abstract

The retreat of Barry Glacier has contributed to the destabilization of slopes in Barry Arm, creating the possibility that a landslide could rapidly enter the fjord and trigger a tsunami.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) recently released a report documenting potential tsunami wave heights in the event of a large, fast-moving landslide at the Barry Arm fiord near Prince William Sound, Alaska (Barnhart and others, 2021). This new work shows that the largest plausible wave height is smaller than initial estimates published in Dai and others (2020), but waves still represent a substantial hazard to the people who live, work, and recreate in Prince William Sound. Thus, it is important that residents and visitors remain informed about this hazard and prepare accordingly.

Suggested Citation

Macías, M.A., Barnhart, K.R., Staley, D.M., 2022, New model of the Barry Arm landslide in Alaska reveals potential tsunami wave heights of 2 meters, values much lower than previously estimated: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2022–3020, 2 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/fs20223020.

ISSN: 2327-6932 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Summary of New Findings
  • What Does This New Information Mean?
  • Continued Hazard Monitoring and Preparation
  • Additional Resources
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title New model of the Barry Arm landslide in Alaska reveals potential tsunami wave heights of 2 meters, values much lower than previously estimated
Series title Fact Sheet
Series number 2022-3020
DOI 10.3133/fs20223020
Year Published 2022
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston VA
Contributing office(s) Geologic Hazards Science Center
Description 2 p.
Country United States
State Alaska
Other Geospatial Barry Arm landslide
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details