Tsunami
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This article originated from the Critical Issues Program authored by the American Geosciences Institute. To learn more about AGI or the Critical Issues Program, visit http://www.americangeosciences.org/critical-issues. |
A tsunami is a series of waves formed in a body of water by the sudden displacement of the entire water column. Most large tsunamis are caused by undersea earthquakes, though landslides, volcanic eruptions, explosions, and even meteorite impacts can also cause them. Tsunamis commonly appear on shore as a rapidly receding tide or rapidly rising flood. Global monitoring systems also provide critical early warning to coastal populations.[1] Tsunamis also sometimes provide natural warning signs to people living on coasts, especially close to the tsunami-causing event.
Contents
Why do tsunamis matter?
Tsunamis can be highly destructive, causing extensive loss of life and property damage. They have killed more than 350 people on the coast of the United States since 1946, with losses exceeding half a billion dollars.[2] Even larger tsunamis, like the ones that devastated Chile in 1960, Japan in 2011, and Indonesia in 2004, have hit the U.S. Pacific coastal states in the past and could hit them again.
How can geoscience help inform decisions about tsunami hazards?
Tsunamis can’t be prevented, but scientists use earthquake information, tide gauges, and tsunami detection buoys to issue early warnings and give people time to evacuate. Others study records of prehistoric tsunamis left in the geologic record along coasts. These studies help determine the probability of tsunamis on different coastlines, leading to better hazard planning and preparedness.
Introductory resources
- About Tsunamis, International Tsunami Education Center
- In-depth discussion of tsunamis, their causes, and tsunami preparedness for a non-expert audience.
- What's Your Tsunami Preparedness?, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- Answers to basic questions about tsunamis and tsunami early warning.
Frequent questions
References
- ↑ Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, http://ptwc.weather.gov
- ↑ NOAA/WDC Tsunami Event Database, http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/nndc/struts/form?t=101650&s=70&d=7
See also
- Tsunami Basics, American Geosciences Institute
- Drought
- Earthquake
- Flood
- Landslide
- Sinkhole
- Volcano
- Waste management
- Weather hazards
External links
| find literature about Tsunami |
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