Stuff You Should Know How Tsunamis Work
Jun 12, 2018
Explore the awe-inspiring force of tsunamis, towering waves formed by underwater earthquakes. Learn how these natural disasters travel at jet fighter speeds and devastate coastal areas. Discover the phenomena of shoaling and how tsunamis grow taller as they approach land. Dive into infamous cases like the 2004 Indian Ocean and the 2011 Japan tsunamis, revealing their catastrophic human and economic impacts. Additionally, uncover tsunami prediction methods and the ecological toll these waves take on marine life.
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Tsunami Is A Whole-Water Wave
- A tsunami is a series of very long wavelength waves often generated by sudden vertical displacement of the seafloor.
- The event transfers huge energy through the entire water column, not just the surface.
Deep Water Hides The Danger
- Tsunamis travel fastest in deep water and slow and grow taller as they approach shore.
- A small surface disturbance at sea can correspond to a multi-mile-deep wave train carrying massive energy.
Coastline Shapes Amplify Waves
- Coastal features dramatically change tsunami impact through focusing and resonance.
- Harbors, bays, and islands can amplify waves via harbor resonance and wraparound effects.