Bathymetric maps key to predicting tsunamis, says researcher

JAKARTA - Bathymetric maps are crucial for Indonesia to gather essential data for tsunami forecasting says Geological Disaster Research Centre of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) researcher Yusuf Surachman Djajadihardja.

"Bathymetry can be interpreted as measuring and mapping the topography of the seabed. The benefit of a Bathymetry map is that it can directly evaluate deformation after a large underwater earthquake that caused a tsunami," he noted in a statement from BRIN in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Djajadihardja explained that Japan had implemented the bathymetric mapping approach, such as in predicting the tsunami disaster that hit the country on March 11, 2011, reported ANTARA news agency.

"Japan was able to identify the cause of the tsunami immediately, and the day after the disaster, it announced a movement of 50 metres based on the initial comparative data," he stated.

In contrast, Djajadihardja pointed out that in the tsunami catastrophe that struck Aceh in 2004, Indonesia could not keep track of the tsunami propagation, as it lacked preliminary data.

In addition, the tsunami's effects were so wide-ranging that not only land but also the seabed's surface was affected, with muddy motions induced by the disaster.

"The anticipation of having data before and after a disaster shows the importance of bathymetry as a basis for information to be able to predict whether a disaster will occur," he stressed.

Djajadihardja also underscored the importance of Bathymetric maps for defence purposes in marine areas, as the sea can only be visualised with one's mind's eye.

"Bathymetric maps help Indonesia to know its water areas in detail, including sea depth, seabed shape, and the existence of various geomorphological features such as coral reefs, sea mounts, and sea trenches," he explained.

According to Djajadihardha, the benefits of Bathymetric maps are not only limited to the maritime sector but also extend to various other fields such as research, fisheries, industry, tourism, and natural disaster management.

"Bathymetric maps are valuable assets that must be used wisely to improve community welfare and preserve the sea for present and future generations," he remarked.

Djajadihardja expressed hope that Bathymetric maps can soon be implemented evenly across Indonesia since optimal utilisation of this approach can help improve various factors such as safety, environmental sustainability, and community welfare. - BERNAMA-ANTARA