mean sea level

Maximum projected distant-source tsunamis could bring waves of 15 feet above mean sea level to the Santa Monica Pier and Marina del Rey and 32 feet at San Francisco’s Ocean Beach.

Near-shore tsunami from other offshore earthquakes could result in waves of up to 6 feet above mean sea level at San Francisco’s Ocean Beach; 8 feet in Long Beach and the Santa Monica Pier; 9 feet in Malibu and 30 feet on Catalina Island.

In Redondo Beach, for instance, a near-shore tsunami could bring waves of up to 11 feet above mean sea level, compared to 9 feet possible coming from a distant earthquake.

Data published in both the city and county of Los Angeles’ hazard mitigation plans show how locally generated tsunamis could reach heights of up to 5 feet above the mean sea level in Marina del Rey; 7 feet in Manhattan Beach and San Pedro; 8 feet in Long Beach and the Santa Monica Pier; 9 feet in Malibu; and 30 feet on Catalina Island — depending on the fault that ruptures or where an underwater landslide is triggered.

And in the San Francisco Bay Area, near-shore tsunami could cause waves to surge 4 feet above mean sea level at San Francisco’s Aquatic Park, Alcatraz Island, Redwood City and Richmond; 5 feet in Alameda; 6 feet at San Francisco’s Ocean Beach; 7 feet in Sausalito; 8 feet in Pacifica in San Mateo County; and 9 feet in Bolinas in Marin County, according to the California Geological Survey.