Tsunamis

What is a Tsunami?

A tsunami is a very long ocean wave generated by sudden

displacement of the sea floor or of the oceanic mass.
The displacement of an equivalent volume of water generates the
tsunami

Terminology

The term tsunami is a Japanese word meaning harbor wave

It was so named because the wave is harmless until it enters a harbour
It is frequently called a tidal wave, but it has nothing to do with tides

Hazards and risks

Tsunamis can hit with little or no warning

Moves very quickly

Shallow water

Piles up
Velocities and wavelengths decrease
Amplitudes can increase enormously

Causes of tsunamis

Earthquakes
Volcanic activity
Landslides
Meteorite impacts