Oceanographers in Washington say the 2011 Japanese Megaquake and Tsunami created a debris field in the ocean that’s nearly the size of California!
And they say the big black ball in this picture appears to be one of the first pieces of Japanese Tsunami debris to reach the west coast, months before most thought anything would.
The discovery was around Ocean Shores, Washington.
But the researchers who found this debris, Curtis Ebbesmeyer and Jim Ingraham, say this kind of float rides high and light and travels faster than most of the debris which is more or less traveling in a group somewhere near Hawaii.
The story from our sister station, KIRO-TV in Seattle, tells the story of the first Japanese Tsunami debris to reach the west coast. I found it very interesting–and it reminds us why we should take great care with any debris we find in the coming months. Watch the video.
See my posts on Japanese Megaquake and the Tsunami:
How Many Aftershocks
Does Japan Quake Increase Odds Of Other Megaquakes
Is The Northwest Next For A Major Quake And Tsunami
When is the main debris field expected to reach our coast? And do you know if it will pose any threat to ocean navigation? We have a small but sturdy 45-year-old sailboat and we’re planning a trip up the west coast of Vancouver Island but wouldn’t want to get caught in a potentially damaging debris field. I’m the main navigator/weather-watcher aboard so I’m grateful to have recently discovered your blog. We may not sail much in the winter but we don’t stop thinking about it!
Hi Bethany–thanks for your question. It seems like there are differing opinions on when the main debris field might arrive. But the earliest time is estimated to be about 9 months from now. So if that’s right–you’ve got clear sailing until then. I mean, except for the weather! I bet you see whales up there–I would love that. Talk to you later!
Hi, I found two of these black floats in Newport today washed up on the beach. They look similar to the ones I keep seeing people finding in Washington from Japanese oyster Farms. They say ‘Mushami’ on them but its written in English, so while they may have been manufactured in Japan I doubt they were used in Japan. They could be long lining floats for tuna. Anyways thought someone might be interested.
Thanks,
Thanks, Bowie. I’m going to pass this onto our newsroom. You have me wondering on this. Thanks for the update…