Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
And, contrariwise, a tsunami of moderate amplitude that hits a densely populated
coast may be characterized by quite a high intensity.
It is useful to present the Papadopoulos-Imamura intensity scale here completely.
A consistent and systematic description of tsunami manifestations on the coast pro-
vides quite a full picture of the phenomenon.
The Papadopoulos-Imamura tsunami intensity scale
I. Not felt
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(a) Not felt even in most favourable circumstances
(b) No effect
(c) No damage
II. Scarcely felt
(a) Felt by some people in light boats. Not observed on the shore
(b) No effect
(c) No damage
III. Weak
(a) Felt by most people in light boats; observed by some people on the shore
(b) No effect
(c) No damage
IV. Largely observed
(a) Felt by all people in light boats and some on large vessels; observed by most
people on shore
(b) Some light boats are slightly carried onto the shore
(c) No damage
V. Strong
(a) Felt by all people on large vessels; observed by all people on shore; some
people are frightened and runup elevations.
(b) Many light vessels are carried inland over significant distances, some of them
collide with each other or are overturned. The wave leaves layers of sand in
places with favourable conditions. Limited flooding of cultivated land along
the coast.
(c) Limited flooding of coastal structures, buildings and territories (gardens etc.)
near residential houses.
VI. Slightly damaging
(a) Many people are frightened and run up elevations.
(b) Most light vessels are carried inland over significant distances, undergo strong
collisions with each other or are overturned.
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Registered only by special instruments.
