Civil nuclear power at risk of tsunamis

Abstract

Tsunamis have caused severe destruction to vulnerable populations through the ages. Commonly generated from oceanic subduction zones, they still remain difficult to predict. Recent instrumental record on risk of occurrence can be enhanced when complemented by historical, archeological, and geological studies. We assessed the coast at risk and overlaid civilian nuclear sites active, in expansion and under construction. The worldwide distribution of threatened nuclear sites revealed a clustering in South and South-East Asia. We identified four areas for urgent policy attention, including the need for funding to translate scientific risks assessment into effective policy.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]