The full characterization of tsunami impacts will require investigations and data collection in a number of different disciplines through a number of different surveys using different techniques.  Broadly, the tasks encompass the following activities:

• Measuring maximum tsunami inundation, flow depths, and maximum runup, and to the extent possible, “walking the inundation” line in order to collect an exact summary of the inundation of impacted communities
• Collecting geological samples of sediments left by the tsunami
• Measuring the type and severity of damage to different types of buildings and recording what factors appeared to control damage levels
• Collecting and measuring information about the environmental and biophysical system impacts of the tsunami
• Collecting information about survivor experiences and stories through interviews
• Exploring the human and community vulnerability and resilience factors at work in different places