Understanding Tsunamis: Causes and Characteristics

Tsunami

A series of massive ocean waves.

Tidal Wave

Common misconception; not caused by tides.

Geological Hazards

Natural events causing tsunamis, like earthquakes.

Wave Length

Distance from crest to crest of a wave.

Wave Period

Time for a wave to travel crest to crest.

Wave Speed

Speed of wave movement through water.

Teletsunami

Distant tsunami traveling far without losing energy.

Local Tsunami

Tsunami that quickly approaches shore with little warning.

Vertical Displacement

Sudden movement of sea floor causing tsunamis.

Wave Shoaling

Increase in wave height as it approaches shore.

Amplitude

Height of a wave from crest to trough.

Subduction Zone

Area where one tectonic plate slides under another.

Elastic Strain

Accumulated stress in crust before an earthquake.

Elastic Rebound

Sudden release of stress causing crust movement.

Major Earthquake

Magnitude 8.0 or greater earthquake causing tsunamis.

Lituya Bay

Site of the largest recorded tsunami wave.

Sunda Megathrust Fault

Location of significant tsunamis in Indonesia.

Indian Ocean Tsunami

2004 tsunami with over 230,000 casualties.

Japan Tsunami

2011 tsunami with maximum wave height over 10m.

Volcanic Eruption

Underwater explosion causing less than 5% of tsunamis.

Landslide Tsunami

Caused by underwater or coastal landslides.

Wave Energy

Energy transmitted by tsunami waves across oceans.

Crest

Top point of a wave.

Tsunami Warning System

System to detect and warn about tsunamis.

Ocean Depth

Depth affects tsunami wave speed and height.

Chain Reaction

Movement of water molecules creating tsunami waves.