Historically, concern for tsunamis along the California coast has been limited to distant sources such as Alaska, Chile, or others. However, a few recent studies have been suggesting potential tsunami sources within the southern California Bight which could have a greater impact to the Ports due to the short travel distance and higher amplitudes than expected from the remote sources.

Moffatt & Nichol conducted an investigation of the potential tsunami hazard for the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles. The investigation included identification of both remote and local sources of tsunamis and a probabilistic assessment of these sources actually occurring. A detailed tsunami propagation and inundation numerical model was prepared to evaluate several potential sources of a tsunami, including potential subaquatic landslides, a thrust fault, and several strike slip faults capable of producing seafloor uplift.

The modelling work was used by the Ports to address design guidelines and to produce an inundation map for the City of Los Angeles Department of Emergency Preparedness. The investigation identified specific areas of extreme high water levels. The derived information is also helpful for further evaluation of impacts to the Port infrastructure, hydrodynamic impacts such as moored and moving vessel issues, structural impacts associated with flooding of Port facilities, and personnel safety issues.