U.S. Geological Survey scientist Brian Atwater, co-author of the recently published book, “The Orphan Tsunami of 1700,” will discuss and sign copies of his publication at three locations in Pacific County this weekend. Atwater’s appearances are hosted by the Pacific County Historical Society.

One winter’s night in the year 1700, a mysterious tsunami wave flooded fields and washed away houses on the Japanese coast. Unlike other tsunami events, the wave arrived without a local earthquake and was named the “orphan” tsunami. Samurai, merchants and villagers recorded the unusual event, but nearly three centuries would pass before discoveries in North America revealed the tsunami’s source.

“The Orphan Tsunami” tells a scientific detective story through clues from both sides of the Pacific Ocean. The evidence uncovered by Atwater and colleagues on both sides of the Pacific tells of a catastrophe that occurred a century before Lewis and Clark. Recognition of the 1700 quake now helps guide preparations for future earthquakes and tsunamis in the United States and Canada.

Atwater will be signing copies of “The Orphan Tsunami” at the following locations:

3 to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, Ilwaco Heritage Museum in Ilwaco, Wash.

1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, Cranberry Museum in Long Beach, Wash.

5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, Pacific County Museum in South Bend, Wash.

The Pacific County Historical Society is a private, not-for-profit educational organization devoted to discovering, preserving and sharing local history. More information about the society’s projects, programs and publications can be found at www.pacificcohistory.org, or by calling the Pacific County Museum at (360) 875-5224.