Usk scientist Simon Haslett starred in a recent broadcast of the popular BBC programme ‘Timewatch’ to talk about his work on tsunami affecting the British coastline.
The programme, entitled ‘Britain’s Forgotten Floods’, focused on research carried out by Professor Haslett and Australian tsunami expert Professor Ted Bryant which recently appeared in an international geoscience journal.
“Tsunami strike British shores more frequently than previously considered. They have caused damage and loss of life in the past, and pose a future threat, particularl y as a consequence of climate change,’ Professor Haslett explained.
The two scientists examined 21 events which hit Britain over the last 1,000 years and concluded that, while they weren’t all caused by tsunami, the association of many of them to known tsunami causes such as earthquakes, supported their interpretation.
Professor Haslett said thar climate change could have an unforeseen effect and increase the likelihood of tsunami aff ecting our shores. ‘It could trigger undersea earthquakes and landslides, which could generate massive tsunami in the North Atlantic.’ Professor Haslett is the Director of the newly established Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching at Newport University.
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