Coastal Engineering Research Center (Continued) 
Tsunami-Wave Elevation Frequency of Occurrence for the Hawaiian Islands 
Houston, J. R., Carver, R. D., and Markie, D. G., TR H-77-16 
Publication Date: August 1977 
Location: Hawaiian Islands 
Period of Coverage: N/A 
Contents: An investigation was undertaken to establish frequency-—of- 
occurrence curves for tsunami-wave elevations near the shoreline for the 
Hawaiian Islands. A hybrid finite element numerical model was used to sup- 
plement historical data in determining the ten largest tsunamic elevations 
from 1837 to 1976 at locations along the coastline of the islands. The numer- 
ical model was verified by comparing tide gage recordings at various locations 
in the Hawaiian Islands during the 1960 and 1964 tsunamis with numerical model 
calculations. Frequency-of-occurrence curves were established using data from 
the ten largest tsunami-wave elevations along the Hawaiian coastline. Figures 
and the table presented in the report can be used to calculate tsunami eleva- 
tions 200 ft shoreward of the coastline for frequencies of occurrence as high 
as l-in-10 years for the entire coastline of the Hawaiian Islands (except the 
coast of the uninhabited US Navy target island of Kahoolawe). Runup nearly 
equals tsunami elevation at the shoreline for some of the coastline of the 
islands, but not for areas where flooding is substantial. A recommendation is 
given for development of a method to calculate land flooding during a tsunami. 
Available From: National Technical Information Service 
US Department of Commerce 
5285 Port Royal Road 
Springfield, VA 22161 
(703) 487-4650, FTS 737-4650 
(NTIS Accession No. AD-A045-023) 
ILI-18 
