Inevitably, in the aftermath of a tsunami, people who live along the world's coastlines begin to wonder whether the devastated areas could be struck again, and whether such a disaster could happen where they live. Scientists are now beginning to understand that the answer to both questions is a resounding "yes." Even areas that were considered relatively safe because they were not subject to regular seismic activity are now drawing attention.

In addition, the studies of the tsunamis that struck Nicaragua in 1992 and Papua New Guinea in 1998 have led scientists to a greater understanding of tsunamigenic conditions and, perhaps more important, how to anticipate these conditions in the future.

Foreseeing the Future

One of the challenges with foreseeing any future tsunamis lies in being able to anticipate the triggering events. Currently, sci- entists are unable to predict tsunamigenic occurrences such as earthquakes, landslides, and...