2004 Tsunami Inundation Distance in Sri Lanka
Varying Inland Reach
The 2004 tsunami’s inland progression across Sri Lanka varied dramatically, impacted by various local geographical conditions.
Coastal Plain Inundation
In areas characterized by flat coastal plains, the surge of water extended significantly further inland.
Certain regions saw inundation that reached up to 2 to 3 kilometers from the coastline.
Geographical Barriers
Conversely, locations with elevated terrain or natural barriers , such as dunes or hills, experienced a much reduced penetration of the water.
Impact on Infrastructure and Communities
The vastness of the inundation deeply affected Sri Lanka’s communities and structures, underscoring the tsunami’s immense destructive capability.
The magnitude of inland reach was a key factor in the widespread devastation observed.
Specific Area Considerations
It’s crucial to appreciate that the exact penetration distances were location-specific.
Factors like the precise coastal shape, gradient of the seabed, and local obstructions greatly influenced the water’s inland reach.
Data Limitations
Precise measures of inundation can fluctuate, dependent on the source and methods utilized for evaluation.
- Data collected from satellite and aerial photographs, as well as on the ground surveys, provided details on the tsunami’s reach.
- Nevertheless, localized discrepancies are common due to the diverse nature of the terrain affected.
Key Takeaway
In summation, while some regions observed the tsunami penetrating a few kilometers inland, the overall reach was uneven, heavily dictated by the natural landscape .