7.1 Earthquake could generate Tsunami

WCATWC message

The strong earthquake IS NOT expected to generate a tsunami along the coasts of U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico states, and Eastern Canadian provinces. NO tsunami warning or watch is in effect for these areas.

Based on the earthquake location, magnitude, and historic tsunami information, a damaging tsunami IS NOT expected along the U.S. Atlantic, Eastern Canadian and Gulf of Mexico coasts. Some of these areas may experience non-damaging sea level changes. Earthquakes of this size can generate destructive tsunamis along the coast near the epicenter. Authorities in the epicentral region should be aware of this possibility and take appropriate action.

Besides the tsunamis taken place this year and the number of alerts, are we above the normal range for a year? This is happening too often, don´t you think so?

Its not the size of an earthquake that matters tsunami wise, it is how the plates slide. If the fault plates slide against each other, no tsunami is expected. However, if the fault slips up and down, the water gets displaced and a tsunami is born.

I do not believe activity has increased anymore than normal. it is just now we have better methods of detection, and since the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, we are more alert and aware of the threat.