After a tsunami devastated the community of Chenega in 1964, geologists studied the disaster in hopes of averting or softening similar tragedies. Four decades later this effort continued after tsunami waves that surged ashore in the Indian Ocean, with researchers including our speaker Hig (Bretwood) Higman documenting and puzzling over the devastating impacts. Scientists are still struggling with these questions, from unexpected tsunami impacts after the Tonga eruption, to uncertainty about future tsunamis from Barry Arm and elsewhere in Prince William Sound. Hig lays out how historic tsunamis in Alaska and around the world have helped advance our understanding and preparedness for tsunamis, but all too often have caught locals and scientists by surprise with disastrous consequences.

This is the fourth talk in the Cook Inlet Historical Society’s 2021-2022 Lecture Series.

Hig (Bretwood) Higman grew up in Seldovia, Alaska, where he lives today. He studied geology as an undergraduate at Carleton College in Minnesota, then went on to a PhD at the University of Washington, studying the onshore effects of tsunamis. Today he continues to work as a geologist studying natural disasters, while also organizing volunteer trail building, undertaking months-long wilderness adventures with his family, and working to respond to the climate crisis. He does much of this through his 501(c) educational nonprofit organization, Ground Truth Alaska while also working as a data analyst studying oil spill hazards for Nuka Research and Planning Group, LLC, Seldovia, Alaska.

Landslide hummock. Dr. Bretwood Higman stands atop one of the many hummocks that were created by the October 17, 2015 landslide and tsunami in Taan Fiord, Alaska (Photographer Bjorn Olson). Courtesy of Ground Truth Alaska, Seldovia, Alaska.

Cook Inlet Historical Society Lecture: The Tragic Science of Tsunamis- From 1964 In Chenega to an Uncertain Climate Future