Which tsunami was the tallest ever directly observed in the open ocean from a ship?
Quick Answer
The 1958 Lituya Bay megatsunami is famous for extreme height, but the tallest directly observed ocean-wave run-up from a ship is more difficult to pin down exactly. In disaster history, Lituya Bay is the standout case for height, reaching about 524 meters on land.
The Full Story
When discussing the tallest tsunami-related wave ever measured, the 1958 Lituya Bay event in Alaska is the most famous case. It was caused by an earthquake-triggered landslide, not a typical fault-generated ocean tsunami. The wave’s run-up reached about 524 meters, an extraordinary height unmatched in modern records. Because it occurred in a remote fjord, scientists could measure its effects relatively well compared with older disasters.
Key Facts
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