Historic Tsunami

1974 Solomon Islands Tsunami

1 February 1974 · Solomon Islands

On 1 February 1974 at 03:12 UTC, a tsunami formed near the Solomon Islands. It was caused by a magnitude 7.1 earthquake. Waves reached up to 2.3 m high. It was observed at 4 locations in 2 countries or territories, up to 529 km from its source.

Date

1 February 1974

Time

03:12 UTC

Cause

Earthquake

Earthquake Magnitude

7.1

Highest Wave

2.3 m

Observation Sites

4

Furthest Reach

529 km

Source Country

Solomon Islands

Triggering Earthquake

M 7.1, 1974

Countries and Territories Reached

Number of observations, highest wave and deaths in each country.

• 3Solomon Islands · 2.3 m
• 1Papua New Guinea · 0.5 m

Highest Waves

• 2.3 mChoiseul · Solomon Islands · 159 km
• 0.5 mTorokina, Bougainville Island · Papua New Guinea · 142 km
• 0.2 mHoniara, Guadalcanal · Solomon Islands · 529 km

Other Major Tsunamis in the Region

• 2017Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea · 0.0 m3 deaths
• 2010Solomon Islands · 7.5 m
• 2007Solomon Islands · 12.1 m52 deaths
• 1971Solomon Sea, Papua New Guinea · 10.0 m
• 1971Solomon Sea, Papua New Guinea · 6.0 m3 deaths
• 1939Solomon Islands · 10.5 m12 deaths

Sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Global Historical Tsunami Database (doi:10.7289/V5PN93H7) · Natural Earth