2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami

The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, also known as the Boxing Day Tsunami, occurred on December 26, 2004, with an epicenter off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia. It was an undersea megathrust earthquake that registered a magnitude of 9.1–9.3 Mw, making it one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded.

Tectonic Setting

The earthquake was caused by the subduction of the Indian Plate beneath the Burma Plate along the Sunda Trench. This tectonic activity is part of the larger Pacific Ring of Fire, known for its frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Earthquake Details

The earthquake occurred at a depth of approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) and was followed by a series of aftershocks. The rupture length was about 1,300 kilometers (810 miles), extending from the northern tip of Sumatra to the Andaman Islands.

Tsunami Generation

The displacement of the seafloor during the earthquake generated a massive tsunami that spread across the Indian Ocean. The waves reached heights of up to 30 meters (100 feet) in some areas, causing widespread devastation.

Impact

The tsunami affected 14 countries, with the most severe impacts in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand. Coastal communities were devastated, with entire villages wiped out. The disaster resulted in approximately 227,898 fatalities and displaced over 1.7 million people.

Humanitarian Response

The international community responded with one of the largest humanitarian efforts in history. Aid organizations, governments, and individuals contributed billions of dollars in aid. The disaster also led to the establishment of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System.

Environmental and Economic Effects

The tsunami caused significant environmental damage, including the destruction of coral reefs, mangroves, and coastal ecosystems. Economically, the affected regions faced challenges in rebuilding infrastructure and restoring livelihoods, particularly in the fishing and tourism industries.

Scientific and Technological Advances

The disaster prompted advancements in tsunami detection and warning systems. Research into earthquake and tsunami dynamics has improved, leading to better preparedness and risk mitigation strategies.

Also see

• Tsunami
• Earthquake
• Subduction zone
• Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System
• Pacific Ring of Fire