• Proceedings of the KSRS Conference
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• v.1
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• pp.29-33
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• 2006

The potential impact of past Caribbean tsunamis generated by earthquakes and/or massive submarine slides/slumps, as well as the tsunamigenic potential and population distribution within the Intra-Americas Sea (IAS) was examined to help define the optimal location for coastal sea level gauges intended to serve as elements of a regional tsunami warning system. The goal of this study was to identify the minimum number of sea level gauge locations to aid in tsunami detection and provide the most warning time to the largest number of people. We identified 12 initial, prioritized locations for coastal sea level gauge installation. Our study area approximately encompasses $7^{\circ}N$, $59^{\circ}W$ to $36^{\circ}N$, $98^{\circ}$ W. The results of this systematic approach to assess priority locations for coastal sea level gauges will assist in developing a tsunami warning system (TWS) for the IAS by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission's Regional Sub-Commission for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions (IOCARIBE-GOOS).