What are Tsunamis?

Text taken from

http://www.naturalhazards.org/investigate/tsunamis/index.html
Historically, seismic ocean waves have been incorrectly called "tidal waves."
Actually, these events are not related to tides in any way. Seismic ocean waves are
now commonly referred to as tsunamis (Japanese for "harbour waves"). A tsunami is
traditionally defined as a series of ocean waves with very long wavelengths that can
travel great distances. However, tsunamis can also occur in inland seas, such as the
Mediteranean Sea. They can also occur in large lakes. In deep oceans, tsunamis can
reach speeds over 500 mph (800 kph). Tsunami wave heights average 30 feet (9
meters), but have been recorded over 100 feet (30 meters). Interestingly, they are
almost unnoticeable in the open ocean. Here, tsunamis usually have wave heights of
only a few feet (1 meter) and only become dangerous as they approach a coast. When
they do, they can carry the largest ocean vessels miles (kilometers) inland, inundate
coasts with flood water, and drag entire communities out to sea as they recede.
Tsunamis can be generated by any event that displaces a large volume of ocean water,
such as an earthquake, volcanic eruption, or landslide

How do we cope with Tsunamis?

Because tsunamis are unpreventable and often unpredictable, monitoring and warning
systems are essential for informing people about tsunami threats. Education for
understanding the risks associated with tsunamis can help communities be prepared
for this often unknown and misunderstood hazard. Establishing evacuation routes and
procedures can save lives when warning times are short. Ultimately, building inland
and on higher ground is the best way to cope with tsunamis in areas that are
susceptible to these hazards. Most seawalls and levees provide only limited
protection, since tsunami wave heights can be greater than the height of such barriers.
Actually, the presence of a seawall or levee can sometimes result in more damage
because if they are not built to a sufficient height, they keep in the same water they
were meant to keep out, as the tsunami recedes. The result can be coastal flooding
with extensive damage to property and loss of life.