Japan Tsunami Debris: Information and FAQs
Debris from the tsunami that devastated Japan could reach the United States as early as this winter, according to predictions by NOAA scientists. However, there is still a large amount of uncertainty over exactly what is still floating, where it's located, where it will go, and when it will arrive.
RESOURCES:
1. Tsunami Debris FAQs
2. Downloadable one-pager
(
227kb)
3. Making Waves podcast
Press inquiries contact: Dianna.Parker@noaa.gov
What Happened?
As the tsunami that hit Japan in March 2011 receded from land, it washed much of what was in the inundation zone into the ocean.
Heavier materials sank closer to shore, while buoyant materials went on to make up the debris fields we saw in satellite imagery and aerial photos of the waters surrounding Japan.
Months later, debris fields are no longer visible. Winds and ocean currents scattered items in the massive North Pacific Ocean, and scientists predict some of the debris may eventually reach U.S. coasts.
NOAA and its federal and non-federal partners, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. EPA, are leading efforts to collect data, assess the debris and possible impacts based on sound science, and protect our natural resources and coasts.
(Photo: U.S. Pacific Navy Fleet. Debris off the coast of Japan after the tsunami.)
FAQs:
- When will debris from the tsunami in Japan reach the U.S.?
- Why is debris arriving now if scientists think it will take years?
- Are there really 25 million tons of debris coming this way? Is there a debris field?
- Is the debris radioactive?
- What about navigational safety hazards created by the tsunami debris?
- What is NOAA doing about the tsunami-generated marine debris?
- How can we begin monitoring the shore or report sightings of tsunami debris?
- Why isn't this considered an emergency yet?
- Where can I find additional information on tsunamis?
- Acknowledgments
When will the debris from the tsunami in Japan reach the U.S.?
Many variables affect where the debris will go and when. Items will sink, disperse, and break up along the way, and winds and ocean currents constantly change, making it very difficult to predict an exact date and location for the debris’ arrival on our shores.
Scientists are relying on computer models to predict the debris items’ path and drift rate. Independent models run by NOAA and University of Hawaii tell us some debris could pass near or wash ashore in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands as early as this winter (based on reported sightings of debris by the Russian ship STS Pallada, approach the West Coast of the United States in 2013, and circle back to the main Hawaiian Islands in 2014 to 2016.
Models can only assume general direction and timing. There is no guarantee the debris will stay on its predicted path.
Contact James Churnside in NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) to discuss the NOAA Ocean Surface Current Simulator model. Contact University of Hawaii’s Drs. Nikolai Maximenko and Jan Hafner (International Pacific Research Center) to discuss their model.
NOAA has run OSCURS (Ocean Surface Current Simulator), a numeric model for ocean surface currents, to predict the movement of marine debris generated by the Japan tsunami over five years. The results are shown here. Year 1 = red; Year 2 = orange; Year 3 = yellow; Year 4 = light blue; Year 5 = violet. The OCSURS model is used to measure the movement of surface currents over time, as well as the movement of what is in or on the water. Map courtesy of J. Churnside (NOAA OAR) and created through Google.
Why are pieces of debris washing up now if scientists think it will take years?
Marine debris is an everyday problem for much of the Pacific Region, and it washes upon our coasts from Asia all of the time. Items need to be closely inspected before we can determine, if possible, that they were washed into the sea by the tsunami.
Are there really 25 million tons of debris coming this way? Is there a debris field?
It's a misconception that there are 20-25 million tons of debris in the water from the tsunami. The Japanese government estimated that the tsunami and earthquake generated 25 million tons of debris total, but there is no confirmed estimate of how much actually went into the water. There is also little information on what types of debris (boats vs. trash vs. appliances) went into the water. >Ministry of the Environment, Government of Japan
Immediately after the event, satellite sensors focused on the area around Japan picked up tsunami debris, but by April 14, the debris had dispersed to a point where the sensors could no longer detect it. This doesn't mean it has vanished - we just can't see it with lower resolution satellites, making it very difficult to locate.
The debris is no longer in a “debris field.” Rather, there are many items scattered across a large area of the North Pacific.
Is the debris radioactive?
There is consensus among scientists that this is highly unlikely, for several reasons:
- First, the tsunami created debris over a large stretch of coastal Japan, while the leak from the damaged Fukushima reactor occurred in one place. Therefore, the vast majority of the debris was many miles away from the reactor, precluding any contact with the radioactive leak.
- Second, the leak of contaminated water from the reactor into the sea started days to weeks after the debris was washed out to sea. By the time the radioactive water leak developed, the debris was already in the ocean, miles away from the reactor, and moving farther offshore by currents and wind. Exposure to contaminated water, which also moves by currents, was unlikely to occur.
- Finally, vessels coming into the United States from Japan were monitored for radiation, and readings were below the level of concern. In the one instance where debris from the Fukushima region was found – a small boat picked up by the research vessel STS Pallada – it was tested for radiation and the levels were normal.
This is not to say that cleaning up the shoreline and handling marine debris is risk free. As with any outdoors activity, it is important to follow common sense and put safety first. Avoid picking up debris that you are not well equipped and trained to handle. For example, be careful of sharp objects that could cut your hands; avoid picking up sealed containers of chemicals – they may crack or break and spill the content on you; likewise, report any full drum on the beach, and avoid handling it yourself. If you are uncomfortable handling any debris item, leave it where it is.
For more information on radiation monitoring and safety, go to: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
What about navigational safety hazards created by the tsunami debris?
If you have questions about navigation safety, please contact the U.S. Coast Guard and view the U.S. Department of Transportation's MARAD advisory.
What is NOAA doing about the tsunami-generated marine debris?
NOAA is doing several things:
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The NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP) is coordinating with internal and external NOAA partners to explore the best actions for addressing the debris.
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The MDP is working with internal and external NOAA partners on a Japan Tsunami Marine Debris Assessment and Response Framework for holistic and cooperative planning to respond to the potential threats posed by marine debris resulting from the Japan tsunami.
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NOAA is one of the lead members on a Japan Tsunami Debris Workgroup including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and University of Hawaii researchers among others.
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NOAA is working with EPA on a joint informational "Tsunami Debris Workgroup Bulletin." Sign up to receive this bulletin.
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NOAA is gathering information on significant sightings of marine debris in the N. Pacific through NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operation’s Pacific fleet of vessels, the NOAA Voluntary Observing Ship Program, and NOAA Pacific Islands Regional Observer Program and their work with the Hawaii longline fishing industry.
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NOAA is working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on shoreline debris monitoring in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
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NOAA is working through its National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) to partner with government groups who have access to higher resolution satellite data.
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NOAA convened scientists to review available data, including modeling output, and provide insight on debris fate and transport.
How can we begin monitoring the shore or report sightings of tsunami debris?
Information on significant marine debris sightings in the North Pacific Ocean and on the coast is greatly needed and can be reported to the NOAA Marine Debris Program at DisasterDebris@noaa.gov.
The NOAA Marine Debris Program (MDP) is happy to provide information to individuals or groups interested in undertaking shoreline monitoring studies for Japan tsunami marine debris. Effective monitoring of changes in environmental conditions, such as the abundance of marine debris, requires a good deal of forethought. Here are some tips and suggestions:
1. Clear objectives and methods: Monitoring projects should have clearly stated objectives and use agreed-upon methods and field measurements to allow for comparability of data with previous research and that conducted in other areas.
2. Baseline data monitoring: In order to detect a change in the concentration of marine debris over time, reliable baseline data is needed. Thus, if you are interested in monitoring to detect a pulse of tsunami-related debris, we suggest regular sampling begin well before the expected arrival of the tsunami debris in your area. At least one year would be ideal.
3. Debris type information: Gathering information on the type of debris found (e.g., lumber, plastic, rubber, fabric, metal, glass) is important. With this information, changes in the types and amounts of marine debris over time may be seen. For example, you may begin to notice an unusual increase in a certain type of debris item around the time of predicted tsunami debris arrival to your area.
4. There’s an app for that: If you who wish to contribute to the collection of baseline marine debris information, consider downloading and using the Marine Debris Tracker smartphone application (http://www.marinedebris.engr.uga.edu/) to record, visualize, and share data.
To request a copy of the MDP's Shoreline Survey Field Guide and electronic data sheet please send an email to MD.monitoring@noaa.gov.
Why isn't this considered an emergency yet?
It's hard to take emergency actions when there's so little information about what we're responding to – remember: it's possible that most of the debris will break up, sink, or get caught up in existing garbage patches. We're working on creating contingency plans that will address scenarios ranging from no debris to high levels of debris.
Where can I find additional information on tsunamis?
Information on tsunamis can be found at:
NOAA's National Weather Service: Tsunami.gov
NOAA's Center for Tsunami Research
NOAA's National Weather Service: Tsunami: The Great Waves
US Geological Survey: Surving a Tsunami
Acknowledgments
This information was compiled with the information and expertise of representatives from NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and National Ocean Service as well as the International Pacific Research Center (UH Manoa), U.S. EPA, National Center for Environmental Health at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and U.S. Coast Guard.
