Palaeotsunamis in the Sino-Pacific region

Abstract

Palaeotsunami research in the Sino-Pacific region has increased markedly following the 2011 Tōhoku-oki tsunami. Recent studies encompass a variety of potential sources and cover a full range of research activities from detailed studies at individual sites through to region-wide data collation for the purposes of database development. We synthesise palaeotsunami data from around the region drawing on key examples to highlight the progress made since 2011. We focus on a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, from region-wide to local events, from multi-millennial site records to estimates of magnitude and frequency along national coastlines. The review is based on sub-regions but in reviewing the combined records highlights common events and anomalies. In doing so we identify future research opportunities and notable findings arising from our review.