The largest (recorded) earthquake in the history of the world tips the Richter Scale off the coast of Chile, South America, with a magnitude of 9.5. Total devastation is estimated at $550 million in property damage and the loss of over 2,000 lives. As magnificent and horrific as this sounds, what is more astonishing is that 61 of those resulting deaths (and subsequent property damage) occur in far-off Hawaii and 122 more on the even further coast of Japan. What possibly could have linked such distant coasts to this same catastrophe? The answer is the natural wonder known as a tsunami. This paper will serve as the "Who?, What?, When?, Where? and How?" of the geophysical phenomena known as tsunamis. It will explore in some detail, the origin, magnitude and risks of tsunamis and ways to detect them, and if possible, prepare our property and our selves for their impending destruction. .
Though written words cannot possibly do this marvel justice, this paper will explain just how an event as simple as an earthquake (and other geological events) could result in such death and destruction only 22 hours after time-zero, in lands half way across the planet. .
WHAT ARE TSUNAMIS?.
Definition.
The American Heritage Dictionary defines a tsunami as a "very large ocean wave caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption." Or in simpler terms, "a huge destructive wave". .
Semantics.
The word tsunami finds roots from its Japanese derivation combining the two words, tsu meaning, "harbor" and nami meaning, "wave". In the past, tsunamis were considered to be large "tidal waves" which is very misleading. The traditional tidal waves that we are most used to are created by the gravitational relationship between the earth and the moon (and other bodies in space) and the influences that result. The impact or size of a tsunami is also independent of whether it occurs during high tide or low.
A tsunami is like a wave train or series of waves in the ocean. ... Tsunami is a Japanese word with an English translation "harbor wave". There are many ways for a tsunami to form. ... Just like other waves, tsunamis begin to lose energy as they rush onshore. ... Tsunamis can move faster than a person can run. ...
At that moment a tsunami is born. "Once generated, a tsunami behaves similarly to a wave produced by dropping a pebble into a shallow pond" (Ocean World Encyclopedia, "Tsunami"). ... However, because the speed of the tsunami depends on the depth of the water; as it decreases, so does the speed of the tsunami. ... According to geologist and tsunami expert, Dr. ... The first objective is to be able to detect and locate the existence of all tsunami or possible tsunami causing earthquakes using a device called a seisometer. ...
Tsunami 1 Cause and Effect Essay "TSUNAMI" Joseph "Lee" T. Guerrero COMM 101 Written Communication September 28, 2003 Tsunami 2 Tsunami is commonly referred to as a sea monster. ... Rarely but possible, cosmic collisions can cause a tsunami. ... What should we do in the event of tsunami? ... Remember that all coastal areas can be struck by a tsunami. ...
There are three physical processes that develop tsunamis. ... The final process is inundation when a tsunami comes ashore as a breaking wave. ... Within the past 10 years 10 tsunamis have taken over 4,000 lives. ... This disastrous tsunami happened a little over two years ago on July 17, 1998. ... Colonel Sanawe saw the first tsunami wave that was about 3 or 4 meters high. ...
Tsunamis are more commonly called "tidal waves" but actually have no relation with any form of ocean tides. ... Tsunami waves have been known to reach speeds of 1,160 to 1,280 MPH (miles per hour.) ... Large tsunami waves have been known to kill and injure thousands of people. As technology changes, science slowly progesses on being able to track tsunami waves. Tsunami waves are hard to predict because specialists have trouble deciding the actual intensity of the wave. ...
Tidal waves are called "tsunamis" by the Japanese. "Tsunami" actually means "harbor wave", and this kind of wave is very destructive. ... Landslides and volcanic eruptions or explosions can assist in forming tsunamis. ... Tsunamis cause much damage to many people and places when they strike. Unfortunately, there have been many terrible tsunamis throughout history. ...
A deadly tsunami devastated the Indonesian islands on Monday, leaving the death toll well above 100 and likely to increase with time. ... Strong winds and rough seas prevented rescuers from making the 12-hour boat ride to the islands to support those who had experienced the tsunami (MSNBC.com). ... The tsunami left a tragic scene in its wake. ... The Indonesian government issued a tsunami watch bulletin, but then cancelled it later. ... The same fault line that resulted in Monday's tsunami also caused the earthquake in 2004 that sent a tsunami through the Indian Ocean killing 230,00...
Tsunamis always happen on coastlines, and more than often near the Pacific. ... If you live in a tsunami hazard zone, you would know because there would be "TSUNAMI HAZARD ZONE" signs around the area. ... If there is an upcoming tsunami, do not feel hopeless--there are always options. 2. ... Sadly, many people are killed during tsunamis. ... Specific Example On March 11, 2011, a world known tsunami hit Japan. ...
In Japan, they have always expected a tsunami after an earthquake. However this time, the tsunami was unexpectedly absolutely horrifying, reaching a height of 10 meters. ... Within a few minutes, the people of Japan were already able to receive the warnings about the tsunami. ... We watched a film on the Japan tsunami and I felt very much distressed. ... After the tsunami, you would hardly recognize the place if it was really Japan. ...
