A tsunami is one of the most powerful and destructive natural phenomena. Most are caused by large earthquakes below the ocean floor, although they can also be caused by landslides, volcanic activity, or by certain climates. In the depths of the ocean, tsunami waves are almost imperceptible, but they can move at more than 800 kilometers per hour, almost at the same speed as a jet plane. As the waves enter shallow waters and reach land, they slow down and grow taller, thus causing a tsunami.
What are the waves of a tsunami like?
Most tsunami waves are less than three meters high, but can exceed thirty meters in height in extreme cases. Sometimes, minutes before the waves reach the shore, the water recedes and moves away from the beach, forming a very low tide. The first waves may not be the biggest or the most damaging. In fact, these first waves are crucial to escaping from shore and getting to safety.
Likewise, the giant waves of tsunamis can flood coastal areas more than 10 miles inland. These waves can cause flooding and rapidly recede from shore for many hours before finally disappearing.
Catastrophic Effects of Tsunamis
A tsunami can be very dangerous, causing large currents, coastal flooding, and great destruction. The force of the water and the debris it carries can destroy ships, vehicles, and even buildings. In addition, the movement of the tsunami along the coast can cause injuries and kill many people. So much so that currents and floods can last for several days.
Small tsunamis can also be dangerous, as currents drown bathers and destroy ships in ports.
