Learning from the SE-Asian tsunami: examples from Thailand’s west coast

One year after the tsunami catastrophe of 26 December 2004, international survey teams in most of the affected countries have collected important information on source, energy, wave patterns, inundation and run up heights of the destructive waves. The relatively minor changes in coastal geomorphology and sedimentology along the coastlines of Thailand, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and parts of eastern India contrast with the high death toll. The article outlines some ideas for future mitigation and protection.