Tsunami

BY
SHARON SUNNY
Also known as a seismic sea wave, is a series of
water waves caused by the displacement of a
large volume of a body of water, generally an
ocean or a large lake. Earthquakes, volcanic
eruptionsand other underwater
explosions (including detonations of
underwater nuclear devices), landslides, glacier
calvings,meteorite impacts and other
disturbances above or below water all have the
potential to generate a tsunami.
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Tsunami effects
The effects of a tsunami are devastating. They
are one of the world's worst natural disasters
that can hit a country.
The effects of the tsunami on the country
during this period range fromdestruction and
damage, death, injury, millions of dollars in
financial loss, and long lasting psychological
problems for the inhabitants of the region.
What causes a tsunami?
A tsunami is usually caused by a powerful earthquake
under the ocean floor. This earthquake pushes a large
volume of water to the surface, creating waves. These
waves are the tsunami.
In the deep ocean these waves are small. As they
approach the coast these waves get bigger and more
dangerous. Tsunami waves can cause tremendous
damage when they reach land.
A tsunami can also be triggered by a volcanic eruption,
landslide, or other movements of the Earths surface.

What causes a tsunami?
A tsunami is usually caused by a powerful earthquake under
the ocean floor. This earthquake pushes a large volume of
water to the surface, creating waves. These waves are the
tsunami.
In the deep ocean these waves are small. As they approach
the coast these waves get bigger and more dangerous.
Tsunami waves can cause tremendous damage when they
reach land.
A tsunami can also be triggered by a volcanic eruption,
landslide, or other movements of the Earths surface.



Warnings and predictions

A tsunami cannot be precisely predicted, even if
the magnitude and location of an earthquake is
known. Geologists, oceanographers,
andseismologists analyse each earthquake and
based on many factors may or may not issue a
tsunami warning. However, there are some
warning signs of an impending tsunami, and
automated systems can provide warnings
immediately after an earthquake in time to save
lives.

Characteristics
When the wave enters shallow water, it slows
down and its amplitude (height) increases.
The wave further slows and amplifies as it hits
land. Only the largest waves crest.
Tsunamis cause damage by two mechanisms:
the smashing force of a wall of water travelling
at high speed, and the destructive power of a
large volume of water draining off the land
and carrying a large amount of debris with it,
even with waves that do not appear to be
large.