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TSUNAMI

What is a tsunami?
A tsunami is a series of ocean waves with very long wavelengths (typically hundreds of kilometers)
caused by large-scale disturbances of the ocean, such as:

earthquakes
landslide
volcanic eruptions
explosions
meteorites

These disturbances can either be from below (e.g. underwater earthquakes with large vertical
displacements, submarine landslides) or from above (e.g. meteorite impacts).
Tsunami is a Japanese word with the English translation: "harbour wave". In the past, tsunamis
have been referred to as "tidal waves" or "seismic sea waves". The term "tidal wave" is misleading;
even though a tsunami's impact upon a coastline is dependent upon the tidal level at the time a
tsunami strikes, tsunamis are unrelated to the tides. (Tides result from the gravitational influences
of the moon, sun, and planets.) The term "seismic sea wave" is also misleading. "Seismic" implies
an earthquake-related generation mechanism, but a tsunami can also be caused by a non-seismic
event, such as a landslide or meteorite impact.
Tsunamis are also often confused with storm surges, even though they are quite different
phenomena. A storm surge is a rapid rise in coastal sea-level caused by a significant meteorological
event - these are often associated with tropical cyclones.

Tsunami effects
The effects of a tsunami are devastating. They are one of the world's worst natural disasters that can
hit a country.
Tsunami damage is first caused by the immense force of the tidal wave hitting the shoreline. Tsunami
flooding then continues to cause damage for several more weeks.
The effects of the tsunami on the country during this period range from destruction and
damage, death, injury, millions of dollars in financial loss, and long lasting psychological
problems for the inhabitants of the region.
The initial impact of the tsunami is often publicized across the world through the news media.
However, the actual effects continue for many years after the natural disaster strikes.
For many of the people affected, they will never forget the terrifying ordeal of being caught in a
tsunami. The scars that are inflicted on the land can be present for decades to come, and this only
serves as a reminder to people living in the area of the terrible losses caused by the tsunami, and the
lingering danger that yet another killer tidal wave could strike at any moment with very little warning.
How are tsunamis measured or observed?
In the deep ocean, a tsunami has a small amplitude (less than 1 meter) but very long wavelength
(hundreds of kilometers). This means that the slope, or steepness of the wave is very small, so it is
practically undetectable to the human eye. However, there are ocean observing instruments that are
able to detect tsunamis.

Be aware of the signs of a tsunami:

A strong earthquake lasting 20 seconds or more near the coast.


A noticeable rapid rise or fall in coastal waters.
What is the best source of information in a tsunami situation?
The International Tsunami Warning System monitors ocean waves after any Pacific earthquake with a
magnitude greater than 6.5. If waves are detected, warnings are issued to local authorities who can
order the evacuation of low-lying areas if necessary.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)s National Weather Service operates
two tsunami warning centers:

West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center (WC/ATWC), Palmer, Alaska. Serves Alaska,
Washington, Oregon, California, the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts, Puerto Rico, the U.S.
Virgin Islands and Canada.

Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC), Ewa Beach, Hawaii. Serves Hawaii and the U.S.
Pacific territories, and as an international warning center for the Pacific and Indian oceans and the
Caribbean Sea.

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