Devastating tsunami inspires efforts to reduce future tsunami destruction

Abstract

The beacon from landmark Scotch Cap lighthouse pierced the moonless night of April 1, 1946, in Alaska's remote Aleutain Island chain. In the reinforced concrete lighthouse, five men were engaged in various support operations connected with the maintenance of the 80,000 candlepower beam. Perched atop a building constructed 5 years earlier on a bluff 32 feet above sea level, the proud new light rose a total of 92 feet above the swirling restless seas. On a cliff behind the lighthouse, a second building housed the Coast Guard radio-direction-finding station.