 |
|
|
Updated: 2:42 PM Sep 30, 2009
Worst Conditions Combined For Pacific Tsunami
Science and geography combined so that the residents of American Samoa didn't stand much of a chance. Posted: 2:42 PM Sep 30, 2009Reporter: Associated Press |
|
0 Comments 
Science and geography combined so that the residents of American Samoa didn't stand much of a chance.
Almost all the conditions that trigger bad tsunamis were in place this week, producing waves that roared toward the island territory at the speed of a 747 jumbo jet. There was nothing to slow it down.
It started with the type of earthquake that tends to generate the strongest tsunamis. It was one of the biggest on record for that type of seismic disruption. It shook just below the ocean floor, under thousands of feet of water, causing huge waves.
That deeper water meant greater speed for the tsunami. American Samoa was about 125 miles from the epicenter and at just the right angle, leaving little time for people to get to high ground.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Will there be dangerous weather in your area? Get the lastest severe weather reports right now with this report.
Nov. 19, 2009 A meteor so bright that it turned the night sky a noontime blue could be seen over Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Idaho. Scientists say this was not part of the Leonid Meteor Shower that also could be seen this week.
Nov. 20, 2009 Police in England's picturesque Lake District said three helicopters were brought in to help them rescue 200 people stranded by floodwater.
Nov. 19, 2009 A federal judge ruled Wednesday that the Army Corps of Engineers are to blame for flooding in St. Bernard Parish and New Orleans' Lower Ninth Ward. The judge said the Corps did not properly maintain a channel.
Nov. 20, 2009 Australian firefighters continue to fight blazes across the country. High temperatures and dry conditions aren't helping and now they're dealing with lightning as well.