Tsunamis
A geohazard to be reckoned with.
What is a tsunami?
A tsunami is a gigantic wave caused by an earthquake or volcanic eruption. These fast and humongous waves can be incredibly deadly.
How is this a hazard?
Tsunamis are a hazard because of many reasons. In addition to the giant waves that can drown entire cities, the survivors have to face flooding and contaminated water.
What regions are most vulnerable to tsunamis?
Coastline
Areas on the coast are more prone to tsunamis, being near the ocean.
Ring Of Fire
Around 80% of all tsunamis occur within the "Ring Of Fire", a geologically active area with many tectonic plates.
Fault lines
Being near a fault line increases the chance of earthquake, which also increases the risk of a tsunami.
How is destruction measured?
Tsunamis are measured in two ways.
Tsunamis are first measured by the magnitude of the earthquake that causes them, and then runup, which is normal sea level compared to how much water washes up onto the shore.
Famous Tsunamis
- Sumatra, Indonesia, 2004
- North Pacific Coast, Japan, 2011
How do you prepare for a tsunami?
- Plan an evacuation route
- have a disaster kit
- If the waves recede, do NOT investigate; stay away from the water
- Get as far inland as possible
- Get to high ground
- stay out of buildings
Sources Cited
http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/topics/science-environment/2011/03/the-10-most-destructive-tsunamis-in-history/
http://www.cwarn.org/tsunami/be-prepared
http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/tsunami-profile/
http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/dynamic/fire.html
https://earthdata.nasa.gov/user-resources/sensing-our-planet/sizing-a-tsunami