Measuring a watermark on the western bank of the Arnold River

The Arnold River lies approximately 15 km west of Sissano Lagoon. A small cluster of houses on the eastern bank was severely damaged. On the western bank we measured the highest watermarks, around 5 m. Runup on the eastern bank was measured to be between 3 and 5 m. It was evident that the wave velocities were quite high from the erosion patterns and the way the house supports were bent backward.

	House supports bent backward by the force of the wave. East bank of Arnold River.
	House partially destroyed by tsunami. East bank of Arnold River.
	A stick driven through a termite nest. Evidence of a minimum flow depth. West of Arnold River along the beach.
	An erosion scarp west of the Arnold River. Scarps of this type were seen for several kilometers west of the river.
	The sunset while we were anchored off the Arnold River mouth.