Graphic by Dante Ros (M)

Tsunami is...

A tsunami is a series of huge waves. "Tsunami" is from the Japanese word for harbor wave. The waves travel in all directions from the area of disturbance, much like the ripples that happen after throwing a rock. As the big waves approach shallow waters along the coast they grow to a great height and smash into the shore. They can be as high as 100 feet. They can cause a lot of damages on the shore.

How does a tsunami form?

Tsunamis are usually caused by earthquakes that happen on the sea floor or in coastal areas. The energy generated by the earthquake is transmitted through the water. In deep oceans the energy in these seismic sea waves can travel virtually unnoticed because the wave height may be only twelve inches. When this energy reaches the shallow waters of coastlines, bays, or harbors, it forces the water into a giant wave. Some tsunamis may reach heights of 100 feet or more!

Damages caused by tsunamis

Tsunamis have killed more than 50,000 people in the past century. Major records damages of tsunamis August 27, 1883 : A volcanic eruption near Krakatoa, in Indonesia, tsunamis killed about 36,000. June 15, 1896 : A tsunami with waves up to 30 meters high attacked the east coast of Japan around Yoshihimama, leaving about 27,000 dead. March 3, 1933 : A tsunami stroked Sanriku, Japan. It killed nearly 3,000 people, destroyed 9,000 houses and sinked about 3,000 ships. August 17, 1976 : Tsunamis generated by an earthquake near Mindanao, Philippines, killed 8,000. July 17, 1998 : A tsunami triggered by a 7.1-magnitude earthquake offshore triggers a tsunami that hits Papua, New Guinea. The waves of 12 meters killed about 3,000 people and destroyed whole villages. Dec. 26, 2004 : A 9.0-magnitude earthquake centered off the Indonesian island of Sumatra triggers tsunamis that pound the shorelines of nine countries, killing ten thousands of people.

How can we avoid a tsunami?

If you are in a dangerous area, immediately turn off the gas and electricity and quickly move to higher ground. Remember, once a Tsunami Warning is issued, it could be a matter of minutes or even seconds before the wave hits. Never go down to the beach to watch the wave come in. The waves may get progressively worse as time goes by. Listen to a portable radio to learn when it is safe to return home. Please get right information and act very carefully.

Bibliography

http://www.noaa.gov/tsunamis.html
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/tsunami.htm
http://www.tsunami.noaa.gov/tsunami_story.htm

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