Russian agencies have warned a new powerful earthquake near the Pacific's Kuril Islands could trigger a tsunami wave up to 19 centimeters (7.5 inches). A magnitude 6.8 earthquake hit Russia's Kuril islands on Sunday, according to data from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The Pacific Tsunami Warning System gauged the quake at 7.0.

Around the globe, researchers are doubling down. New research uncovers major issue with tsunami warning systems: 'It's not a matter of if, but when' first appeared on The Cool Down.

The U.S. Tsunami Warning System ( tsunami.gov) will be updating its guidance as experts learn more about the threat, including maps showing what areas face what risks. In the minutes and hours after a major earthquake, tsunami assessments change as researchers track data from buoy and other interments.