Satellite Unveils Surprising Tsunami Details in First Detailed Observation

A satellite has provided unprecedented insights into tsunami behavior, significantly enhancing our understanding of these devastating oceanic waves. This groundbreaking observation is crucial for developing improved tsunami prediction and warning systems.

SWOT Satellite: A Game Changer

The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite, launched in 2022 by NASA and the French space agency CNES, was created to monitor global water movements through surface height variations. Over the years, it captured valuable data on smaller ocean currents. However, a significant event occurred on July 29, 2025, when a magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck the Kuril-Kamchatka subduction zone, located off Russia’s southeastern coast. Remarkably, at the moment of this earthquake, SWOT was in position to observe the resulting tsunami.

New Insights into Tsunami Dynamics

• The tsunami propagated through the Pacific Ocean, allowing researchers to analyze its behavior in detail.
• Using satellite data alongside information from three Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) buoys, scientists discovered complex propagation patterns.
• Contrary to previous beliefs that tsunamis remain largely intact, SWOT’s findings indicate that this tsunami fragmented, creating a prominent leading wave followed by smaller trailing waves.

The leading wave was recorded at an impressive height of over 45 centimeters (1.5 feet), demonstrating the satellite’s capacity to collect significant data.

Transformative Technology for Future Tsunami Tracking

Angel Ruiz-Angulo, a physical oceanographer at the University of Iceland and the study’s lead author, described the SWOT data as providing “a new pair of glasses.” He emphasized that while existing DART systems could only monitor tsunamis at select locations, SWOT has the ability to capture broad areas—up to 120 kilometers (75 miles) wide—with high-resolution surface data.

This advancement not only enhances understanding but also holds promise for real-time tracking of future tsunamis. Effective monitoring can enable timely warnings for coastal communities, potentially saving lives and reducing damage.

Research Findings Published

The significant findings from this research have been published in the journal The Seismic Record. The insights gained from SWOT are expected to influence tsunami models and improve our overall preparedness for such natural disasters.