Tsunamis

What is a tsunami?
very long ocean wave generated by sudden displacement of the sea
floor or the oceanic mass
the displacement of an equivalent volume of water generates the
tsunami

Hazards and risk of tsunamis

can hit with little to no warning
4000 people have been killed between 1990 and 2000
The most prone areas are those associated with earthquake and
volcanoes

Velocities in deep water

o Travel very quickly relative to normal ocean waves
o This is particularly the case in open water where velocities increase
with water depth

Shallow water
The tsunami waves pile up
Velocities and wavelengths decrease
Amplitudes can increase enormously
Causes of tsunamis
Earthquakes
Volcanic activity
Landslides
Meteorite impacts

Damage
Waves often full of debris
As the waves recedes, the debris drags more stuff with it
Can recede as much as a km out to see, leaving shoreline empty with
flopping fish, boats, etc. on the bottom

Detecting a tsunami
Pressure recorder on bottom of ocean
Buoy to communicate reading via satellite

 Tsunami warning centers issue warning

Personal mitigation

Run (dont walk) to higher ground

Tell your family and friends
Never go to the beach