On this side of the Pacific

The devastation wreaked on Japan by earthquake and tsunami is heart-rending; the images and videos are heartstopping. Restoring the country to some semblance of normal will be a long-term struggle. And it isn't helped by the serious problems at the affected nuclear power plants, which could have long-term deleterious effects on the energy and environmental future of humankind.

I'm sure many more words will be written on this. I'm sure I will write a few more words myself.

Leaving Japan aside for the moment, I was curious what video existed of the effects of the tsunami on Crescent City, California, which was hit the hardest. I've also watched a video showing the tsunami boiling into the harbor; below are links to four videos showing the tsunami on the coast near Crescent City. It's fascinating to see such power transmitted over so long a distance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3AFnbkLmiI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma0fLBuU78c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyWySXVFL2g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNmt29hFP3Y