Automatic, real-time detection and characterization of tsunamis in deep-sea level measurements

The already existing algorithms for automatic, real-time tsunami detection in deep-sea level measurements, although capable of detecting a tsunami, fail in characterizing it in terms of both amplitude and period. Such a characterization is carried out by postprocessing the observations once available. A delay between tsunami detection and characterization should be therefore accepted. The present note suggests a simple modification of the existing algorithms capable of guaranteeing the contemporaneous detection and characterization of a tsunami, automatically and in real-time. Tests carried out using actually measured time series show the effectiveness of the presented modification. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.