TSUNAMI

What is a tsunami ?
A tsunami is a large ocean wave usually caused by an
underwater earthquake or a volcanic explosion. Tsunamis are
NOT tidal waves. Tidal waves are caused by the forces of the
moon, sun, and planets upon the tides, as well as the wind as it
moves over the water. With typical waves, water flows in circles,
but with a tsunami, water flows straight. This is why tsunamis
cause so much damage!.They can speed across the ocean as fast
as a jet plane, swallow up islands and wipe out villages.

What causes a tsunami ?

The sudden displacement of huge amounts of water causes
tsunamis. Most happen as a result of an undersea earthquake. If
the earthquake is powerful enough, the sudden movement of the
ocean floor at a tectonic plate boundary can cause the water
above to surge upwards then fall back. The energy created then
races under the surface of the water and forms the series of
waves, known as a wave train, of a tsunami.
A volcanic eruption can cause a tsunami. The eruption can be
either underwater or on land. A submarine eruption has a similar
effect to an earthquake, making the ground shake and sending
the water above into ripples that grow into a tsunami. A huge
lava flow from a land volcano eruption, together with all the rock
debris from the explosion, can pour into the ocean and disrupt
the water enough that a tsunami may form.

How fast is a tsunami ?

A normal wind wave travels at about 90kmh, but a tsunami can
race across the ocean at an incredible 970kmh! Sometimes,
before a tsunami hits, there is a huge vacuum effect, sucking
water from harbours and beaches. People can see the ocean floor
littered with flopping fish and other sea animals. Then a wave
blasts onto the shore minutes later, then another and another for
two hours or more. There may also be up to one hour between
each wave.

Where do tsunamis occur?

Tsunamis can occur in any major body of water. They are most
common in the Pacific Ocean where there are lots of underwater
earthquakes and volcanoes. Countries with long coastlines on the
Pacific Ocean such as Japan, Chile, and the United States are all
at risk of being hit by a tsunami. However, tsunamis can happen
anywhere. In 2004 a massive earthquake in the Indian Ocean
caused a devastating tsunami that killed over 230,000 people.

Why are tsunamis dangerous?

Even though tsunamis slow down as they approach the shoreline,
they can still be travelling at highway speeds of over 50 miles
per hour. A huge wall of water traveling at this speed can cause
major damage. A large tsunami can travel many miles inland and
wiping out entire coastal cities.