Images: Tsunami Dock in Remote Washington

More Dock Damage

Japan tsunami dock

(Image credit: National Park Service (Olympic National Park))

The waves caused more damage to the dock during late December 2012.

Dock on the Beach

Japan tsunami dock

(Image credit: National Park Service (Olympic National Park))

The dock on the beach in January 2013.

Dock Species

Japan tsunami dock

(Image credit: Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife)

Scientists are analyzing some 50 species found living on the dock.

Losing Styrofoam

Japan tsunami dock

(Image credit: National Park Service (Olympic National Park))

On Jan. 3, 2013, the dock appeared to be losing Styrofoam, a potential hazard to marine life.

Dock Removal

Japan tsunami dock

(Image credit: NOAA)

Preparations for dock removal begin on March 18, 2013. Sand and stones have built up around the dock, requiring excavation.

Removal Plan

Japan tsunami dock

(Image credit: NOAA)

This illustration shows the plan to remove the dock.

Dock Excavation

Japan tsunami dock

(Image credit: NOAA)

Workers excavate around the beached tsunami dock.

Dock Removal Process

Japan tsunami dock

(Image credit: NOAA)

Cutting the face off the three south-facing compartments of the dock with a wire saw.

Sawing the Dock

Japan tsunami dock

(Image credit: NOAA)

A worker uses a walk-behind saw to cut the top of the dock.

Stephanie Pappas
Live Science Contributor

Stephanie Pappas is a contributing writer for Live Science, covering topics ranging from geoscience to archaeology to the human brain and behavior. She was previously a senior writer for Live Science but is now a freelancer based in Denver, Colorado, and regularly contributes to Scientific American and The Monitor, the monthly magazine of the American Psychological Association. Stephanie received a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of South Carolina and a graduate certificate in science communication from the University of California, Santa Cruz.