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This center also receives prompt reports on earthquakes from four Coast Survey stations in the Pacific which are equipped with seismographs.

Its staff makes a preliminary determination of the epicenter of the quake and alerts tide stations near the epicenter for a tsunami.

By means of charts showing wave-travel times and depths in the ocean at various locations, it is possible to estimate the rate of approach and probable time of arrival at Hawaii of a tsunami getting under way at any spot in the Pacific.

The civil and military authorities are then advised of the danger, and they issue warnings and take all necessary protective steps.

All of these activities are geared to a top-priority communication system, and practice tests have been held to assure that everything will work smoothly.