On October 27, 1936, a tsunami occurred in Lituya Bay, Alaska. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) NCEI Global Historical Tsunami Database (Event ID 1694), the event generated a recorded maximum water height of 149.35 meters.
Overview of the 1936 Lituya Bay Tsunami
The tsunami occurred at 15:50 UTC on October 27, 1936, in Lituya Bay, Alaska, United States. In the official catalog maintained by NOAA/NCEI, the event is designated with a cause code of 8 and a validity rating of 4, which classifies the occurrence as a definite tsunami.
Recorded Measurements and Location Details
The geographic position recorded for the event is latitude 58.6 and longitude -137.1. The primary physical measurement documented for this historical event is the peak runup, with water levels reaching a maximum height of 149.35 meters in Lituya Bay.
Database Catalog Information
The observational data for this historical tsunami is preserved under record ID 1694 in the NOAA/NCEI Global Historical Tsunami Database. The entry provides historical parameters including the event time, location coordinates, validity status, and peak wave height measurements.
Frequently asked questions
When did the 1936 Lituya Bay tsunami occur?
The event occurred on October 27, 1936, at 15:50 UTC.
Where was the 1936 tsunami located?
The tsunami was recorded in Lituya Bay, Alaska, United States, at latitude 58.6 and longitude -137.1.
What was the maximum recorded water height for the 1936 event?
The official database record lists a maximum water height of 149.35 meters.
How is this tsunami classified in official databases?
In the NOAA/NCEI Global Historical Tsunami Database (Event ID 1694), the event carries a cause code of 8 and a validity rating of 4, corresponding to a definite tsunami.
Sources and further context
Official datasets support the event-specific facts.