The word Tsunami comes from the Japanese word Tsunami, which means ‘harbor wave.‘Tsunamis are huge waves that start under the sea due to underwater earthquakes or volcanic activities. These massive waves won’t grow in height as they travel further into the ocean.The water depth will have to decline so that the waves can build up higher and higher as they rush towards the shore. The speed at which a tsunami travels is determined by the depression created in the ocean and not the distance the wave has to travel from the source.Tsunamis tend to move at the speed of a jet across deep seas and will stop once they reach shallow water areas. Oceanographers have explained that tidal waves and tsunamis are two different concepts that must not be confused with one another as tides do not cause tsunamis.Tsunamis do not appear to be enormous waves in the open ocean. Even the most experienced sailors would have difficulty detecting one. That’s why, during tsunami warnings, officials advise boats to stay out to sea. They have a far lower risk of being damaged than vessels in a harbor. Waves can carry ships deep inland or destroy them when they collide with structures or bridges.There are many causes for tsunamis, and there are various factors, including weather. Air pressure disturbances that move quickly can have the same effect on the water, resulting in a massive series of waves. Weather, volcanoes, and meteorites, on the other hand, are significantly less common than earthquakes, which account for approximately 80% of all documented Tsunamis.An earthquake with a magnitude of nine on the Richter scale occurred beneath the Indian Ocean on December 26, 2004, resulting in the largest death toll caused by a Tsunami. The Tsunami that started off the coast of Indonesia went on to sweep across the Indian Ocean, affecting the coastlines of nine different countries. On January 20, 2005, it was projected that the Tsunami killed at least 226,000 people, though the total number of those that died will never be known.Read along to find out about the Indian Ocean Tsunami, seismic sea waves, and more interesting tsunami facts! Afterward, don’t forget to check out more interesting facts about the 1992 hurricanes and hurricane facts.Facts About TsunamisTsunamis can travel up to 500 mi (805 km) per hour across the water, which is nearly the same speed as a jet plane. At that rate, they’ll be able to traverse the Pacific Ocean in less than a day. Because of their long wavelengths, they lose extremely little energy as they travel.A tsunami is a Japanese word that refers to harbor wave (tsu = harbor + NAMI = wave), which reflects Japan’s history of tsunamis.Scientists can predict when a tsunami will strike practically anyplace on the planet using formulas that take into account the ocean’s depth, distances between locations, and the time the earthquake or other event happened.Tsunamis are always a threat in Hawaii; they average one every year, with a severe one approximately every seven years. The most enormous Tsunami to hit Hawaii occurred in 1946 when 30 ft (nine m) waves slammed onto the coast of Hilo Island at 500 mph.An earthquake with the equivalent of 23,000 atomic bombs triggered the Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004. Killer waves emanating from the epicenter crashed into the coasts of 11 countries after the initial earthquake. Approximately 283,000 people lost their lives in this disaster.In coastal areas, the sea always has deep water. But the seawater turning into shallow water in coastal areas is a sign that an ocean tsunami is incoming. Ocean Tsunamis happen in the form of a big wave, and it is advised to take to higher ground as fast as possible in these situations. Undersea earthquakes on the ocean surface can also cause a tsunami to occur. A tsunami is a series of humongous waves, such as ocean waves, tidal waves, seismic sea waves, or harbor waves inundating Tsunami. A devastating tsunami can destroy the coastal vegetation.Scary Facts About TsunamisA tsunami’s motion is comparable to what happens when you throw a pebble into a lake and ripples form and move across the surface. The waves might take anything from 5 to 90 minutes to fully form. The wave speed in the open ocean can reach 450 mph (720 kph) at times.Tsunamis have been documented that have reached a height of more than 100 ft (30 m). The closer the waves go to the shallow seas of the coast, the more natural they appear. The speed also slows down. When a tsunami approaches the coast, new conditions emerge. It can grow to be very large, and once it gets close to a beach, it can become quite destructive.A variety of natural events can trigger a tsunami. Earthquakes have been caused by landslides, volcanic eruptions, and even meteorites.A tsunami can originate hundreds or even thousands of kilometers from the coast. The location of a tsunami can have a significant impact on its outcome. Tsunami-prone areas include places that are less than 50 feet above sea level and less than one mile from the shoreline.The Ring of Fire is the world’s most earthquake-prone zone and one of the most volcanically active areas in the world. It is located in the Pacific Ocean and spans 15,444 sq mi (40,000 sq km). This area has also been known to cause some of the world’s tsunamis. This is because tsunamis aren’t only caused by the energy released from earthquakes and landslides. They are also caused by volcanic eruptions, both above ground and under the ocean.The ocean will withdraw hundreds of meters shortly before the Tsunami hits the shore. This is a dangerous warning sign, and it’s critical to take action and leave as soon as possible if it occurs.Experts estimate that a tsunami might strike as soon as five minutes after the ocean is brought back. It’s also vital to distinguish between tsunamis and tidal waves, which occur naturally every day.A tsunami is also known as a tidal wave or seismic sea wave. The primary causes behind Tsunami could be a volcanic eruption or an underwater earthquake originating from the ocean floor. The gigantic heights and tremendous speed of waves during a tsunami can wreak havoc along the coastal regions.Survival Facts During A TsunamiGiant waves are a powerful natural force comparable to earthquakes, volcanoes, and hurricanes. Their strength is difficult to comprehend, but it should impress upon you the importance of staying far away from the shoreline in the event of a tsunami. Here’s some background information before we discuss how to survive a tsunamiDuring a tsunami, get to higher ground as quickly as possible. After an earthquake, stay away from the shore and other low-lying areas. A tsunami wave is impossible to outswim or outrun. Wait for help by grabbing hold of anything stationary, such as a tree or building, or something that floats, such as a raft.The number of active earthquake zones in the Pacific Ocean is the reason why it is home to 80% of all the tsunamis in the world. However, there are tsunami risk zones in both the Mediterranean and Caribbean Oceans.A tsunami’s wave can reach heights of over 100 ft (30 m). Tsunami detection buoys located around the oceans activate the Tsunami Warning System, which includes a siren and strobe light on the beach to warn of an impending tsunami. This may allow the beach to be evacuated and give people time to reach the safety of higher ground.The initial wave in a tsunami sequence is the smallest and weakest; subsequent waves are the deadliest Tsunami. A tsunami wave may travel as fast as a plane over the ocean, reaching speeds of up to 600 mph (960 kph). The wave slows to the speed of a car as it reaches the land, between 20-30 mph (32-48 kph).The sooner you know a tsunami is on its way, the greater your chances of getting off the beach and to higher ground. If it’s already too late and the water is rising, here’s what to do in the event of a tsunami:Get as far inland as possible, at least a mile. Get yourself to a high point, at least 100 ft (30 m) above sea level.Take hold of something stable, such as a tree, or anything that floats, such as a raft. If you’re in a boat, go further out into the water and away from the beach. Don’t swim against the current; instead, hold onto something that is either immobile or floating.Facts About Damage Caused By TsunamisIn 1964, an earthquake in Alaska triggered a tsunami with waves ranging from 10-20 ft (3-6 m) high. The Tsunami’s effects were felt along the California, Oregon, and Washington coasts. The Tsunami caused more than $84 million in damage in Alaska and killed around 123 people.More people have died as a direct result of tsunamis than have died from earthquakes since 1945.Tsunamis are relatively uncommon along the Atlantic coast. However, on November 18, 1929, a major earthquake struck the Grand Banks of Newfoundland. A tsunami struck Placentia Bay, Newfoundland, causing extensive damage and many casualties.During a tsunami, the most likely cause of death is drowning. Flooding, contaminated water sources, and ruptured gas lines are among the other reasons for mortality. In 1946, a tsunami slammed onto Hilo, Hawaii, with waves ranging from 20-32 ft (6-9.6 m) high. The city’s downtown area was flooded, killing 159 people in the process.In 1906, a typhoon accompanied by a tsunami killed an estimated 10,000 people in Hong Kong.Tsunami Warning Centers in Palmer, Alaska, and Honolulu, Hawaii, monitor instabilities that could result in tsunamis. A tsunami is tracked once it is spotted. Tsunami alerts are then issued for those locations that are at risk.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created many interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for 145 Tsunami facts that will send a chill down your spine, then why not take a look at the 1925 Tristate tornado or 1985 earthquake in Mexico.
The word Tsunami comes from the Japanese word Tsunami, which means ‘harbor wave.’
