Todd Kaplan, an 11th grade student from Massapequa High School, recently took part in an international forum in Seattle for those involved in the research of tsunamis. The tsunami, more commonly known as the tidal wave, is a potentially devastating weather phenomenon that causes the most damage in coastal communities.

For the past year, Todd studied tsunamis in the Massapequa research program, under the tutelage of his science teacher, Mark Ballerini. Ballerini said of his student, "He is extremely dedicated, hard-working, and diverse in his interests. He is also a talented musician, along with being a terrific science student."

Todd's research, entitled "Coast Community Risk from Tsunami Waves: Analysis of Topographic Influence on Wave Runup," studies the effects of tsunami waves on coastal terrain. He presented his findings at the International Tsunami Symposium held Aug. 7-10 in Seattle, WA. Present at this conference were scientists from nations such as Japan, Mexico, France, Canada, Puerto Rico, and China. He was also the only high school student to present at the forum.

Speaking on the significance of Todd's research, Ballerini said, "It has enormous relevance, especially for Long Island and places like Fire Island, and even Massapequa."

Although tsunamis are typically associated with the earthquake-prone areas of the Pacific, the movement of water caused by such common events as landslides can also generate one.

"Long Island is tectonically not active [with regard to earthquakes], so the potential for tsunamis caused by landslides is not generally recognized," Ballerini explained. "This coastal interaction is what Todd's findings hope to bring to light."

Todd's research will continue this year, and he will additionally be visiting the laboratory of a tsunami researcher who recently expressed interest in his work.