Episode 67 - The Sleeping Giant

Costas Synolakis is a globally recognized civil and environmental engineer specializing in tsunami science and natural disaster mitigation. A professor at the University of Southern California and the founding director of the USC Tsunami Research Center, he is best known for developing the MOST (Method of Splitting Tsunami) model, used worldwide for tsunami forecasting and early warning systems. Synolakis has led post-disaster field missions in Indonesia, Japan, Chile, and beyond, advancing global understanding of tsunami dynamics.

He is a key voice in assessing the threat posed by the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a seismic fault off the Pacific Northwest coast capable of generating massive earthquakes and devastating tsunamis. His research and advocacy emphasize the urgent need for coastal preparedness, early warning systems, and resilient infrastructure. Synolakis is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering and the recipient of the Sergey Soloviev Medal for his contributions to geophysical hazard mitigation.

00:00 Introduction to Tsunami Research
02:29 Understanding Tsunamis: Formation and Characteristics
05:19 The Impact of Tsunamis: Historical Context and Statistics
07:34 The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami: A Case Study
10:27 The Energy Behind Tsunamis: Earthquake Dynamics
13:03 Field Experiences: Witnessing Tsunami Destruction
15:20 The Haunting Aftermath: Personal Stories from the Field
18:19 Mega Tsunamis: Understanding Extreme Events
20:57 Tsunami Preparedness: Lessons from Japan and Beyond
23:42 The Cascadia Subduction Zone: A Ticking Time Bomb
26:29 Artificial Intelligence in Tsunami Prediction
29:03 Global Tsunami Risks: A Comparative Analysis
31:56 Coastal Engineering: Can We Build Against Tsunamis?
34:25 The Role of Education in Tsunami Preparedness
37:13 The Future of Tsunami Warning Systems
39:39 The Importance of Public Awareness and Emergency Alerts
42:20 The Aftermath of Tsunamis: Health Risks and Recovery
45:01 Final Thoughts: Preparing for Future Tsunamis