Tsunamis Lecture Notes

Flashcards designed to help review key terms and concepts related to tsunamis.

Tsunami

A series of ocean waves caused by any large and sudden displacement of water.

Wind Waves

Waves created by the wind transferring energy to the water surface.

Wave Propagation

The movement of waves through the water as they travel towards shore.

Gravitational Pull

The force that causes wave motion due to gravitational attraction.

Wave Characteristics

Factors including mass area, movement amount, and movement velocity that define a wave's nature.

Wave Refraction

The bending of waves as they approach shallow water and change speed.

Wave Reflection

The bouncing back of waves when they hit a barrier.

Interference

The interaction of waves that can result in increased or decreased wave heights.

Inundation Distance

The maximum distance water travels inland due to a tsunami.

Run-up Elevation

The maximum height reached by tsunami waves on land.

Coastal Topography

The shape and features of the coastline that affect tsunami behavior.

Bathymetry

The underwater topography that influences wave behavior and height.

Megathrust

A type of earthquake occurring at subduction zones, capable of generating large tsunamis.

Tsunami Wavelength

The distance between successive wave crests of a tsunami.

Wave Period

The time it takes for successive waves to pass a given point.

Tsunami Wave Height

The vertical distance from the trough to the crest of a tsunami wave.

Tsunami Animation

Visual representation showing tsunami wave propagation and height over time.

Seismic Wave Amplification

The increase in wave height due to the slowing of waves in shallower waters.

Volcanic Tsunamis

Tsunamis that occur as a result of volcanic eruptions displacing water.

Landslide Tsunamis

Tsunamis generated by underwater landslides that displace water.

Storm Waves vs. Tsunamis

Storm waves have shorter periods and less inundation compared to tsunamis.

DART Stations

Instrumentation used to detect tsunamis by measuring wave pressure.

Hazard Maps

Maps showing potential inundation areas and evacuation routes during a tsunami.

Seawalls

Structures built to prevent the flooding of coastal areas during tsunamis.

Earthquake Tsunamis

Tsunamis caused by underwater earthquakes that displace water.

Chilean Tsunami of 1960

The largest recorded tsunami event resulting from a 9.5 magnitude earthquake.

Indonesian Tsunami of 2004

A devastating tsunami caused by a 9.3 magnitude earthquake, killing 230,000 people.

Tsunami Warning System

A system in place to alert communities of impending tsunamis.

Subduction Zone

An area where one tectonic plate moves under another, often generating large earthquakes and tsunamis.

Coastal Inundation

When tsunami waves flood coastal areas, causing damage and displacement.

Tsunami Arrival Intervals

The time difference between successive waves in a tsunami wave train.

Hawaii Underwater Landslides

Historical underwater landslides that have led to tsunamis around the Hawaiian Islands.

Krakatau Tsunami of 1883

A tsunami formed when the island of Krakatau collapsed into a caldera, killing thousands.

Simeule Island

An island that experienced minimal casualties due to effective tsunami evacuation procedures.

Oral History

Cultural stories passed down through generations that inform communities about natural disasters.

Resiliency in Tsunami-Prone Areas

The ability of coastal communities to recover from tsunami events and implement preventive measures.

Tsunami Disaster Recovery

The processes and strategies used for rebuilding after a tsunami event.

Community Preparedness

The readiness and planning of local communities to respond to tsunami threats.

Tsunami Education

Initiatives aimed at educating the public about tsunami hazards and safety.

Tsunami Research

Scientific investigation into the causes, effects, and mitigation of tsunamis.

Physical Oceanography

The study of ocean waves, currents, and their interactions with the environment.

Wave Dynamics

The study of the forces and motions involved in wave formation and behavior.

Coastal Management

Strategies to maintain and protect coastal environments from tsunami impacts.

Flood Risk Assessment

Evaluation of the risk of flooding in coastal areas from tsunamis.

Emergency Response Plans

Prepared strategies for dealing with tsunami events and ensuring public safety.