Question

tell your partner or write four things you have learnt about tsunamis

Answer 1

• Causes of Tsunamis: Tsunamis are typically caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. They can also be triggered by landslides or even meteorite impacts in the ocean.

• Wave Characteristics: Tsunamis are characterized by a series of long, powerful ocean waves. They can travel across entire ocean basins and have wavelengths that can extend for hundreds of kilometers.

• Speed and Impact: While tsunamis travel at high speeds in deep water (up to 500-800 kilometers per hour), they can go unnoticed on the open ocean due to their long wavelengths. However, as they approach shallower coastal areas, their energy gets compressed, causing them to rise dramatically and potentially cause devastating impacts.

• Early Warning Systems: Given the potentially catastrophic effects of tsunamis, many coastal regions have implemented early warning systems. These systems use a combination of seismographs, ocean buoys, and communication networks to detect and disseminate warnings about potential tsunamis, allowing people to evacuate to safer ground.