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
The terminology
The term tsunami is a Japanese word meaning harbor wave
It was so named 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
What are the Hazards and Risks
Tsunamis can hit with little or no warning
The most prone areas are those associated with earthquakes and volcanoes
Velocities in deep water
Tsunamis travel very quickly relative to normal ocean waves
This is particularly the case in open water, where velocities increase with water
depth
Velocities can each 1000 km/hr in open ocean (normal ocean wave: 90 km/hr
Shallow water
In Shallow water, the tsunami wave pile up
As a result, velocities and wavelengths decrease
But at the same time, amplitudes can increase enormously
Arrival of a Tsunami on a coast
The wave will break when its heigh exceeds- one seventh (1/7) of its wavelength
So some very long waves actually may not break
Initially there may be a rise or fall (drawdown) in sea level (which may attract
people, to their great misfortune
Causes
Earthquakes
Volcanic Activity
Landslides
Meteorite Impacts
Damage Due to Tsunami

Wave often full of debris (trees, cars, pieces of wood etc.

As wave 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 bottom of ocean
Buoy to communicate readings via satellite
Tsunami Warning Centers Issue Warning
Tsunami Warning Centers
Hawaii and Alaska
When eq considered capable of generating tsunami, send warning with estimated
arrival time
Tsunami Warning
When warning is issued- low lying areas are evacuated
U.S Coast guard issues warnings over marine frequencies some places have sirens
Response to Tsunami
Requires good emergency planning and preparation
Educated and trained public
Which has access to information
Personal mitigation
Run (dont walk) to higher ground
Tell your family and friends
Never go to the beach