Tsunami

What is a
Tsunami?
Terminology

Hazards and
risks of
Tsunamis
Velocities in
deep water
Shallow Water

Causes
Detecting a
Tsunami

A Tsunami is a very long ocean wave generated by sudden

displacement of the sea floor/oceanic mass. The displacement of
an equivalent volume of water generates the Tsunami
The term tsunami is a Japanese word meaning harbor wave. It
was named so because the wave is harmless until it enters a
harbor. It is frequently called a tidal wave, but it has nothing to do
with tides.
Tsunamis can hit with little or no warning. 4,000 people have
been killed between 1990 and 2000. The most prone areas are
those associated with earthquakes and volcanoes (mainly
subduction zones0
Tsunamis travel very quickly relative to normal waves. This is
particularly the case in open water, where velocities increase with
water depth. Velocities can reach 1,000 kilometers in open ocean.
In shallow water the tsunami waves pile up. AS a result, velocities
and wavelengths decrease, but at the same time, amplitudes can
increase enormously.
Earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides, and meteorite impacts (all
displace water)
Pressure recorder on bottom of ocean. Buoy to communicate
readings via satellite. Tsunami Warning Centers issue warning.
Tsunami warning centers are in Hawaii, Alaska, and California.
When EQ considered capable of generating tsunami, send
warning with estimated arrival time.
When a tsunami warning is issued low lying areas are evacuated.
Response to a tsunami requires good emergency planning and
preparing, educating and training the public, etc.