Chapter 4 - Tsunamis

A collection of flashcards providing definitions and explanations related to the topic of tsunamis, sourced from lecture notes.

Tsunami

Japanese for 'large harbor wave', caused by a sudden vertical displacement of ocean water.

Runup

Maximum height the water reaches above sea level during a tsunami.

Inundation

Total horizontal area flooded by water during a tsunami.

Edge waves

Waves that may be generated and travel parallel to the shore, causing wave amplification.

Earthquake

A sudden release of energy in the Earth's crust causing seismic waves, which can trigger tsunamis.

Distant Tsunami

A tsunami that travels out to deep ocean at high speed and can strike remote shorelines.

Local Tsunami

A tsunami that travels towards land very quickly, giving little time for people to react.

Megathrust earthquake

A major earthquake (M 9 or greater) that can create significant tsunamis.

Tsunami Warning System

A network that monitors seismic activity and tsunami threats to provide timely warnings to at-risk populations.

Contaminated water supply

Water supply affected by pollutants, which can lead to disease following a tsunami.

Tsunami Ready Status

Designated when a town establishes an emergency operation center and has preparedness plans and public alert systems.

Coastal erosion

The process where shorelines are eroded by wave action, often worsened by tsunami impacts.

Sediment deposition

The laying down of sediment carried by tsunami waves, which can reshape coastlines.

Subsidence

The gradual sinking of land, which can contribute to increased tsunami impacts.

Natural service functions of tsunamis

Beneficial impacts such as nutrient deposition and landscape development from seawater movement.

Hazard map

A map used to show areas at risk for tsunami inundation and the potential heights of waves.