Tsunamis

Cornell Notes Page 123

What is a Tsunami?

• a series of long water waves caused by the displacement of a large volume of water.

• typically resemble a rapidly rising tide on shore.

What is a Tsunami?

What causes Tsunamis?

• Usually caused by underwater earthquakes

What else causes tsunamis?

• Landslides, glacier calvings, volcanic eruptions, meteoroids, nuclear testing

What are the warning signs?

• Earthquake • Water rapidly

retreats back into the ocean

• Debris in water• Animals…?• Roaring sound

Sri Lanka, 26 Dec 2004 image shows "Drawback" of water exposing ~ 150 meters of "temporary" beach.

Photo courtesy of www.digitalglobe.com

Worst Tsunami on Record?

• 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami– over 230,000 people died

Slide 3: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/03/pictures/110315-nuclear-reactor-japan-tsunami-earthquake-world-photos-meltdown/#/japan-earthquake-tsunami-nuclear-unforgettable-pictures-wave_33291_600x450.jpg