Abstract
Combined sedimentological and field studies can be used to investigate the impacts of past tsunami. In this paper, sedimentary deposits from Livadia, Astypalaea Island, Greece are described which are interpreted as being associated with the July 9, 1956 Aegean tsunami. While the tsunami run-up indicated by these deposits is broadly consistent with previously reported values, topographic evidence and anecdotal eyewitness accounts from nearby Astypalaea Town indicate that previously reported run-up elevations were over-estimated. This observation is consistent with recent modeling data for the 1956 tsunami, and illustrates the need for systematic investigations of the effects of past tsunami events within the Aegean region. These investigations should involve sedimentological and other field-based surveys and modeling studies coupled with critical (re)evaluation of contemporary reports and other historical records. This is a necessary first step for providing the proper basis on which reliable assessments of tsunami risk can be made and hazard zone maps, coastal protection and emergency and disaster management plans developed.
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Dominey-Howes, D., Cundy, A. (2001). Tsunami Risk in the Aegean Sea and the Role of Systematic Field, Laboratory and Documentary Studies: The Case of the 1956 Tsunami. In: Hebenstreit, G.T. (eds) Tsunami Research at the End of a Critical Decade. Advances in Natural and Technological Hazards Research, vol 18. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-3618-3_9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-3618-3_9
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