Tsunami Lecture Notes
Introduction
- Reports of a massive tidal wave hitting Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.
- Amateur videotape from a survivor shown.
- Reporter Ann Winslow describes the devastation.
- Reference to a previous wave that hit Honshu, Japan, ten days prior.
Tsunami Warning and Effects
- Tsunami Warning Center issues alert for potential damage to the Pacific coast.
- Tsunami wave heights unpredictable and could remain dangerous for hours.
Discussion Among Characters
Characters Introduced
- Doc, a former scientist, and surfer.
- Cody, who seems interested in surfing a tsunami.
- Dr. Agamo, a seismologist.
- Dr. Wall, also formerly engaged in seismology research.
- Dr. Jessica Weaver, Chief Oceanographer at Aquatronics.
- Edgar Purcell, representative from the NSA.
- Stanley Schiff, involved in discussions around tsunamis and military strategies.
Conversations and Analysis
- Doc's Disinterest in Science
- Doc is addressed as a scientist but is currently disengaged from scientific pursuits.
- Cody discusses the idea of surfing a tidal wave with Doc.
- Economic Update and Meeting at Aquatronics
- Deepwater specialists convening at Aquatronics Institute for urgent discussions due to recent tidal waves.
- Dr. Agamo indicates unusual phenomena with two consecutive tidal waves.
- Government's Perspective
- Meeting emphasizes the need for explanations regarding tsunami causes: tectonic plate shifts, ocean floor disturbances, or wave resonance.
Key Points from the Meeting
- Review of seismic activities and dismissal of volcanic eruptions as a cause.
- Discussion on the feasibility of atomic bombs causing such large waves, referencing historical military strategies (e.g., Jimmy Doolittle's WWII plans).
- Discussions also touch on meteors hitting the ocean, but are deemed unlikely in this context.
Speculative Analysis and Disagreements
Dr. Wall's Input
- Wall theorizes that a significant force (possibly a bomb) is responsible but emphasizes financial and industrial motivations.
- Debates on mathematical models of wave generation—focusing on predictable patterns.
- Strategic insights: need for a large-scale investigation to manage and predict future waves.
Further Reporting and Personal Dynamics
- New wave hits North Shore of Hawaii, intensifying concerns.
- Dr. Wall and Jessica Weaver have direct interactions, showing concerns about manufactured tidal waves possibly driven by economic motives.
- Edgar Purcell remains skeptical yet involved, underscoring ongoing governmental interest.
Technological and Research Developments
John Wall’s Background and Perspectives
- Insight into Wall's contributions to seismic and marine sciences and his disillusionment with military applications of scientific research.
- Wall’s past involvement in confidential military projects and his ethical dilemma upon discovering their intended uses, leading to his departure from mainstream science.
- Wall and Weaver explore potential technological means to track wave origins and investigate ocean floor disruptions.<br />
- Mention of the Mark VI sub-missile and its potential role in creating tsunamis.
- Detailed examination using weather service data to track nuclear sub-missile paths.
Confessional and Ethical Reflections
- Wall's reflections on personal losses and past ethical conflicts, emphasizing the human cost of scientific and military advancements.
- Weaver’s navigation of professional and emotional tensions as they investigate the phenomenon.
Conclusion and Immediate Concerns
- Wall and Weaver discover military-grade weapons and technologies possibly being repurposed or misused to create tsunamis.<br />
- Discussions on neutralizing threats and preventing further manufactured waves.<br />
- Urgent need to communicate findings to authorities to mitigate risks and address ongoing crises.
Important Reminder: The discussions and speculations in this lecture highlight the complexities of integrating scientific research with military and economic interests, emphasizing the ethical responsibilities of scientists.