USGS PCMSC Tsunami Observations, March 11, 2011

Map showing locations in Santa Cruz where photos
and videos were taken. Click for larger version.

Photos from Western Santa Cruz: Cowell Beach and Natural Bridges State Beach (A. Gibbs)

At least 5 significant water level drawdowns occurred over several hours, with the first beginning about 8:15am, and lasting for at least 10 minutes.
Water level changed about 1.5 meters.
Incoming waves did not exceed the pre-tsunami high-water mark.
Pre-tsunami wave-heights were about 1m.
Many surfers and paddle boarders were in the water.
Hundreds of onlookers lined the coastal bluffs.
Photos were taken on the bluffs in front of the Darling House Bed and Breakfast, between Santa Cruz Ave and Gharkey Street

Water level drawdown at Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz: 08:38 PST March 11, 2011; view is to the south. Surfers can be seen in the water, and many spectators are standing along the cliff. [Larger version]	Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz: 08:38 PST; view looking east. [Larger version]
Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz: 08:39 PST; view looking north. [Larger version]	Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz: 08:39 PST; view looking south. [Larger version]
Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz: 08:39 PST; view looking south. [Larger version]	Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz: 08:41 PST; view looking northeast with Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in distance. [Larger version]
Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz: 09:11 PST; view looking south. [Larger version]	Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz: 09:12 PST; view looking south. Many surfers can be seen in the water. [Larger version]
Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz: 09:12 PST; view looking northeast with Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in distance. [Larger version]	Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz: 09:12 PST; view looking south. [Larger version]
Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz: 10:49 PST; view looking west. [Larger version]

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