essay questions on tsunami

Essay on Tsunami for Students and Children

500+ words essay on tsunami.

Tsunami is a phenomenon where a series of strong waves that are responsible for the surge in water sometimes reach the heights in many meters. This is a natural disaster that is caused due to the volcano eruption in the ocean beds. Also, a phenomenon like landslides and earthquakes contributes to reasons for a tsunami. Like other natural disasters, the impact of the tsunami is also huge. It has been seen throughout history how disastrous the tsunami is. The essay on tsunami talks about various factors that contribute to the tsunami and the damage it causes to mankind. 

Essay on Tsunami

The disaster that is caused due to waves generated in the ocean because of the earthquake and whose main point is under the water is known as ‘Tsunami’. Also, the term tsunami is associated with tidal waves. Thus, a tsunami is also called as the series of ocean waves that have a very long wavelength. Because of the tsunami, there are strong waves of water is formed and this moves landwards. So, this causes inland movement of water which is very high and lasts for a long time. Thus, the impact of these waves is also very high. 

Greeks were the first people on Earth to claim the effects of the tsunami. They claim that tsunami is just like land earthquakes. Also, the only difference between tsunami and earthquake is that tsunami is caused in oceans. Thus, the scale and ferocity of the tsunami are almost impossible to control. 

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The History of Tsunami

The highest ever recorded tsunami was on 9th July 1958 in the record books. It took place in a bay which was located in the ligula bay along the coasts of Alaska. After the quake, a massive mass of rock fell into the bay waters from the cliff nearby. Thus, this created an impact and produced a wave that reached a height of 524 meters. Also, this is regarded as one of the highest recorded tsunami waves ever. 

The destructive waves responsible for the occurrence of tsunami is also produced in waters of bays or lakes. As this water approached the coast, it grows larger. However, the size of this wave is very low in deep-sea areas. Tsunami waves that are generated in the lakes or bays do not travel for a long distance. Thus, they are not as destructive as the ones produced in the ocean waters. There are various directions in which tsunami can travel from the main point. 

One similar devastating tsunami was experienced in India in 2004. However, the origin of this tsunami was located near Indonesia. Because of the tsunami, it was expected that a total of 2 lakh people lost their lives. The waves traveled extensively thousands of kilometers in countries like Thailand, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and the Maldives. 

Tsunamis occur mainly in the Pacific Ocean. There are very chances that they take place in the area where there are larger bodies. Coastlines and open bays next to very deep waters may help tsunami further into a step-like wave. 

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108 Tsunami Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Tsunamis are natural disasters that can have devastating impacts on coastal communities. They are often caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides, and can result in massive waves that can cause widespread destruction and loss of life.

If you are studying tsunamis or writing an essay on the topic, it can be helpful to have a list of potential essay topics to choose from. Here are 108 tsunami essay topic ideas and examples to help inspire your writing:

• The causes of tsunamis
• The effects of tsunamis on coastal communities
• Tsunami warning systems and their effectiveness
• The history of tsunamis and notable events
• How tsunamis are formed
• The role of climate change in increasing the frequency and intensity of tsunamis
• The psychological impact of tsunamis on survivors
• Tsunami preparedness and response strategies
• The economic impact of tsunamis on local economies
• How tsunamis are different from other natural disasters
• The impact of tsunamis on marine ecosystems
• Tsunamis in popular culture and media
• The role of technology in monitoring and predicting tsunamis
• The connection between tsunamis and earthquakes
• Tsunamis and their impact on tourism
• The role of international cooperation in responding to tsunamis
• Tsunamis and their impact on infrastructure
• The role of education in preparing communities for tsunamis
• Tsunamis and their impact on global climate patterns
• The cultural significance of tsunamis in different societies
• The role of NGOs and aid organizations in providing relief after a tsunami
• Tsunamis and their impact on food security
• The impact of tsunamis on water quality and sanitation
• Tsunamis and their impact on vulnerable populations
• The role of social media in spreading information during a tsunami
• The impact of tsunamis on mental health
• Tsunamis and their impact on wildlife
• The role of government policies in mitigating the impact of tsunamis
• Tsunamis and their impact on renewable energy sources
• The connection between tsunamis and tsunamigenic volcanoes
• The impact of tsunamis on agriculture and food production
• Tsunamis and their impact on transportation systems
• The impact of tsunamis on coastal erosion
• Tsunamis and their impact on indigenous communities
• The connection between tsunamis and climate change adaptation
• The impact of tsunamis on fisheries and aquaculture
• Tsunamis and their impact on water resource management
• The role of early warning systems in reducing the impact of tsunamis
• Tsunamis and their impact on cultural heritage sites
• The connection between tsunamis and tectonic plate movements
• The impact of tsunamis on the tourism industry
• Tsunamis and their impact on coastal biodiversity
• The role of education in raising awareness about tsunamis
• Tsunamis and their impact on gender equality
• The connection between tsunamis and subduction zones
• The impact of tsunamis on urban planning and development
• Tsunamis and their impact on water scarcity
• The role of community-based organizations in responding to tsunamis
• Tsunamis and their impact on waste management
• The connection between tsunamis and seismic activity
• The impact of tsunamis on public health
• Tsunamis and their impact on energy infrastructure
• The role of international aid in responding to tsunamis
• Tsunamis and their impact on social cohesion
• The connection between tsunamis and tsunamigenic fault lines
• The impact of tsunamis on air quality
• Tsunamis and their impact on disaster risk reduction efforts
• The role of insurance in mitigating the impact of tsunamis
• Tsunamis and their impact on emergency response systems
• The connection between tsunamis and underwater landslides
• The impact of tsunamis on renewable energy infrastructure
• Tsunamis and their impact on water pollution
• The role of community resilience in responding to tsunamis
• Tsunamis and their impact on climate change adaptation strategies
• The connection between tsunamis and coastal erosion
• The impact of tsunamis on disaster preparedness efforts
• Tsunamis and their impact on coastal development
• The role of indigenous knowledge in responding to tsunamis
• Tsunamis and their impact on informal settlements
• The connection between tsunamis and sea level rise
• The impact of tsunamis on healthcare systems
• Tsunamis and their impact on food systems
• The role of community engagement in responding to tsunamis
• Tsunamis and their impact on climate change adaptation policies
• The connection between tsunamis and deforestation
• The impact of tsunamis on education systems
• Tsunamis and their impact on biodiversity conservation efforts
• The role of technology in improving early warning systems for tsunamis
• Tsunamis and their impact on disaster recovery efforts
• The connection between tsunamis and coastal habitat destruction
• The impact of tsunamis on water resource availability
• Tsunamis and their impact on social inequality
• The role of community-based adaptation in responding to tsunamis
• Tsunamis and their impact on climate change mitigation efforts
• The connection between tsunamis and ocean acidification
• The impact of tsunamis on ecosystem services
• Tsunamis and their impact on climate change resilience
• The role of gender mainstreaming in responding to tsunamis
• Tsunamis and their impact on renewable energy access
• The connection between tsunamis and coastal land loss
• The impact of tsunamis on water scarcity
• Tsunamis and their impact on global food security

These are just a few examples of the many possible essay topics related to tsunamis. Whether you are writing a research paper, a reflective essay, or a creative piece, there are plenty of angles from which to explore this important and impactful natural phenomenon. Happy writing!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Tsunamis

• What is a tsunami?
• How do earthquakes generate tsunamis?
• How do volcanic eruptions generate tsunamis?
• How do submarine landslides, rock falls and underwater slumps generate tsunamis?
• Can asteroids, meteorites or man-made explosions cause tsunamis?
• Where and how frequently are tsunamis generated?
• How does tsunami energy travel across the ocean and how far can tsunamis waves reach?
• Why aren't tsunamis seen at sea or from the air?
• What are the factors of destruction from tsunamis?
• What determines how destructive a tsunami will be near the origin and at a distant shore?
• What are some of the largest historical tsunamis?
• The April 1, 1946 Aleutian Earthquake and Tsunami
• The November 4, 1952 Kamchatka Earthquake and Tsunami
• The March 9, 1957 Aleutian Earthquake and Tsunami
• The May 22, 1960 Chilean Earthquake and Tsunami
• The March 27-28, 1964 Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami
• Why are locally generated tsunamis so dangerous?
• Where can I find more tsunami related FAQs?
• What is a mega-tsunami and can it happen today?

The phenomenon we call tsunami is a series of large waves of extremely long wavelength and period usually generated by a violent, impulsive undersea disturbance or activity near the coast or in the ocean. When a sudden displacement of a large volume of water occurs, or if the sea floor is suddenly raised or dropped by an earthquake, big tsunami waves can be formed by forces of gravity. The waves travel out of the area of origin and can be extremely dangerous and damaging when they reach the shore. The word tsunami (pronounced tsoo-nah'-mee) is composed of the Japanese words "tsu" (which means harbor) and "nami" (which means "wave"). Often the term, "seismic or tidal sea wave" is used to describe the same phenomenon, however the terms are misleading, because tsunami waves can be generated by other, non seismic disturbances such as volcanic eruptions or underwater landslides, and have physical characteristics different of tidal waves. The tsunami waves are completely unrelated to the astronomical tides – which are caused by the extraterrestrial, gravitational influences of the moon, sun, and the planets. Thus, the Japanese word "tsunami", meaning "harbor wave" is the correct, official and all-inclusive term. It has been internationally adopted because it covers all forms of impulsive wave generation. Back to Top

2. How do earthquakes generate tsunamis?

By far, the most destructive tsunamis are generated from large, shallow earthquakes with an epicenter or fault line near or on the ocean floor. These usually occur in regions of the earth characterized by tectonic subduction along tectonic plate boundaries. The high seismicity of such regions is caused by the collision of tectonic plates. When these plates move past each other, they cause large earthquakes, which tilt, offset, or displace large areas of the ocean floor from a few kilometers to as much as a 1,000 km or more. The sudden vertical displacements over such large areas, disturb the ocean's surface, displace water, and generate destructive tsunami waves. The waves can travel great distances from the source region, spreading destruction along their path. For example, the Great 1960 Chilean tsunami was generated by a magnitude 8.3 earthquake that had a rupture zone of over 1,000 km. Its waves were destructive not only in Chile, but also as far away as Hawaii, Japan and elsewhere in the Pacific. It should be noted that not all earthquakes generate tsunamis. Usually, it takes an earthquake with a Richter magnitude exceeding 7.5 to produce a destructive tsunami. Back to Top

3. How do volcanic eruptions generate tsunamis?

Although relatively infrequent, violent volcanic eruptions represent also impulsive disturbances, which can displace a great volume of water and generate extremely destructive tsunami waves in the immediate source area. According to this mechanism, waves may be generated by the sudden displacement of water caused by a volcanic explosion, by a volcano's slope failure, or more likely by a phreatomagmatic explosion and collapse/engulfment of the volcanic magmatic chambers. One of the largest and most destructive tsunamis ever recorded was generated in August 26, 1883 after the explosion and collapse of the volcano of Krakatoa (Krakatau), in Indonesia. This explosion generated waves that reached 135 feet, destroyed coastal towns and villages along the Sunda Strait in both the islands of Java and Sumatra, killing 36, 417 people. It is also believed that the destruction of the Minoan civilization in Greece was caused in 1490 B.C. by the explosion/collapse of the volcano of Santorin in the Aegean Sea. Back to Top

4. How do submarine landslides, rock falls and underwater slumps generate tsunamis?

Less frequently, tsunami waves can be generated from displacements of water resulting from rock falls, icefalls and sudden submarine landslides or slumps. Such events may be caused impulsively from the instability and sudden failure of submarine slopes, which are sometimes triggered by the ground motions of a strong earthquake. For example in the 1980's, earth moving and construction work of an airport runway along the coast of Southern France, triggered an underwater landslide, which generated destructive tsunami waves in the harbor of Thebes. Major earthquakes are suspected to cause many underwater landslides, which may contribute significantly to tsunami generation. For example, many scientists believe that the 1998 tsunami, which killed thousands of people and destroyed coastal villages along the northern coast of Papua-New Guinea, was generated by a large underwater slump of sediments, triggered by an earthquake. In general, the energy of tsunami waves generated from landslides or rock falls is rapidly dissipated as they travel away from the source and across the ocean, or within an enclosed or semi-enclosed body of water – such as a lake or a fjord. However, it should be noted, that the largest tsunami wave ever observed anywhere in the world was caused by a rock fall in Lituya Bay, Alaska on July 9, 1958. Triggered by an earthquake along the Fairweather fault, an approximately 40 million cubic meter rock fall at the head of the bay generated a wave, which reached the incredible height of 520-meter wave (1,720 feet) on the opposite side of the inlet. A initial huge solitary wave of about 180 meters (600 feet) raced at about 160 kilometers per hour (100 mph) within the bay debarking trees along its path. However, the tsunami's energy and height diminished rapidly away from the source area and, once in the open ocean, it was hardly recorded by tide gauge stations. Back to Top

5. Can asteroids, meteorites or man-made explosions cause tsunamis?

Fortunately, for mankind, it is indeed very rare for a meteorite or an asteroid to reach the earth. No asteroid has fallen on the earth within recorded history. Most meteorites burn as they reach the earth's atmosphere. However, large meteorites have hit the earth's surface in the distant past. This is indicated by large craters, which have been found in different parts of the earth. Also, it is possible that an asteroid may have fallen on the earth in prehistoric times – the last one some 65 million years ago during the Cretaceous period. Since evidence of the fall of meteorites and asteroids on earth exists, we must conclude that they have fallen also in the oceans and seas of the earth, particularly since four fifths of our planet is covered by water. The fall of meteorites or asteroids in the earth's oceans has the potential of generating tsunamis of cataclysmic proportions. Scientists studying this possibility have concluded that the impact of moderately large asteroid, 5-6 km in diameter, in the middle of the large ocean basin such as the Atlantic Ocean, would produce a tsunami that would travel all the way to the Appalachian Mountains in the upper two-thirds of the United States. On both sides of the Atlantic, coastal cities would be washed out by such a tsunami. An asteroid 5-6 kilometers in diameter impacting between the Hawaiian Islands and the West Coast of North America, would produce a tsunami which would wash out the coastal cities on the West coasts of Canada, U.S. and Mexico and would cover most of the inhabited coastal areas of the Hawaiian islands. Conceivably tsunami waves can also be generated from very large nuclear explosions. However, no tsunami of any significance has ever resulted from the testing of nuclear weapons in the past. Furthermore, such testing is presently prohibited by international treaty. Back to Top

6. Where and how frequently are tsunamis generated?

Tsunamis are disasters that can be generated in all of the world's oceans, inland seas, and in any large body of water. Each region of the world appears to have its own cycle of frequency and pattern in generating tsunamis that range in size from small to the large and highly destructive events. Most tsunamis occur in the Pacific Ocean and its marginal seas. The reason is that the Pacific covers more than one-third of the earth's surface and is surrounded by a series of mountain chains, deep-ocean trenches and island arcs called the "ring of fire" – where most earthquakes occur (off the coasts of Kamchatka, Japan, the Kuril Islands, Alaska and South America). Many tsunamis have also been generated in the seas which border the Pacific Ocean. Tsunamis are generated, by shallow earthquakes all around the Pacific, but those from earthquakes in the tropical Pacific tend to be modest in size. While such tsunamis in these areas may be devastating locally, their energy decays rapidly with distance. Usually, they are not destructive a few hundred kilometers away from their sources. That is not the case with tsunamis generated by great earthquakes in the North Pacific or along the Pacific coast of South America. On the average of about half-a-dozen times per century, a tsunami from one of these regions sweeps across the entire Pacific, is reflected from distant shores, and sets the entire ocean in motion for days. For example, the 1960 Chilean tsunami caused death and destruction throughout the Pacific. Hawaii, Samoa, and Easter Island all recorded runups exceeding 4 m; 61 people were killed in Hawaii. In Japan 200 people died. A similar tsunami in 1868 from northern Chile caused extensive damage in the Austral Islands, Hawaii, Samoa and New Zealand. Although not as frequent, destructive tsunamis have been also been generated in the Atlantic and the Indian Oceans, the Mediterranean Sea and even within smaller bodies of water, like the Sea of Marmara, in Turkey. In 1999, a large earthquake along the North Anatolian Fault zone, generated a local tsunami, which was particularly damaging in the Bay of Izmit. In the last decade alone, destructive tsunamis have occurred in Nicaragua (1992), Indonesia (1992, 1994, 1996), Japan (1993), Philippines (1994), Mexico (1995), Peru (1996, 2001), Papua-New Guinea (1998), Turkey (1999), and Vanuatu (1999). Back to Top

7. How does tsunami energy travel across the ocean and how far can tsunamis waves reach?

Once a tsunami has been generated, its energy is distributed throughout the water column, regardless of the ocean's depth. A tsunami is made up of a series of very long waves. The waves will travel outward on the surface of the ocean in all directions away from the source area, much like the ripples caused by throwing a rock into a pond. The wavelength of the tsunami waves and their period will depend on the generating mechanism and the dimensions of the source event. If the tsunami is generated from a large earthquake over a large area, its initial wavelength and period will be greater. If the tsunami is caused by a local landslide, both its initial wavelength and period will be shorter. The period of the tsunami waves may range from 5 to 90 minutes. The wave crests of a tsunami can be a thousand km long, and from a few to a hundred kilometers or more apart as they travel across the ocean. On the open ocean, the wavelength of a tsunami may be as much as two hundred kilometers, many times greater than the ocean depth, which is on the order of a few kilometers. In the deep ocean, the height of the tsunami from trough to crest may be only a few centimeters to a meter or more – again depending on the generating source. Tsunami waves in the deep ocean can travel at high speeds for long periods of time for distances of thousands of kilometers and lose very little energy in the process. The deeper the water, the greater the speed of tsunami waves will be. For example, at the deepest ocean depths the tsunami wave speed will be as much as 800 km/hr, about the same as that of a jet aircraft. Since the average depth of the Pacific ocean is 4000 m (14,000 feet), tsunami wave speed will average about 200 m/s or over 700 km/hr (500 mph). At such high speeds, a tsunami generated in Aleutian Islands may reach Hawaii in less than four and a half hours. In 1960, great tsunami waves generated in Chile reached Japan, more than 16,800 km away in less than 24 hours, killing hundreds of people. Back to Top

8. Why aren't tsunamis seen at sea or from the air?

In the deep ocean, tsunami wave amplitude is usually less than 1 m (3.3 feet). The crests of tsunami waves may be more than a hundred kilometers or more away from each other. Therefore, passengers on boats at sea, far away from shore where the water is deep, will not feel nor see the tsunami waves as they pass by underneath at high speeds. The tsunami may be perceived as nothing more than a gentle rise and fall of the sea surface. The Great Sanriku tsunami, which struck Honshu, Japan, on June 15, 1896, was completely undetected by fishermen twenty miles out to sea. The deep-water height of this tsunami was only about 40 centimeters when it passed them and yet, when it arrived on the shore, it had transformed into huge waves that killed 28,000 people, destroyed the port of Sanriku and villages along 275 km of coastline. For the same reason of low amplitude and very long periods in the deep ocean, tsunami waves cannot be seen nor detected from the air. From the sky, tsunami waves cannot be distinguished from ordinary ocean waves. Back to Top

9. What are the factors of destruction from tsunamis?

There are three: inundation, wave impact on structures, and erosion. Strong, tsunami-induced currents lead to the erosion of foundations and the collapse of bridges and seawalls. Flotation and drag forces move houses and overturn railroad cars. Considerable damage is caused by the resultant floating debris, including boats and cars that become dangerous projectiles that may crash into buildings, break power lines, and may start fires. Fires from damaged ships in ports or from ruptured coastal oil storage tanks and refinery facilities, can cause damage greater than that inflicted directly by the tsunami. Of increasing concern is the potential effect of tsunami draw down, when receding waters uncover cooling water intakes of nuclear power plants. Back to Top

10. What determines how destructive a tsunami will be near the origin and at a distant shore?

Tsunamis arrive at a coastline as a series of successive crests (high water levels) and troughs (low water levels) – usually occurring 10 to 45 minutes apart. As they enter the shallow waters of coastlines, bays, or harbors, their speed decreases to about 50-60 km/hr. For example, in 15 m of water the speed of a tsunami will be only 45 km/hr. However 100 or more kilometers away, another tsunami wave travels in deep water towards the same shore at a much greater speed, and still behind it there is another wave, traveling at even greater speed. As the tsunami waves become compressed near the coast, the wavelength is shortened and the wave energy is directed upward – thus increasing their heights considerably. Just as with ordinary surf, the energy of the tsunami waves must be contained in a smaller volume of water, so the waves grow in height. Even though the wavelength shortens near the coast, a tsunami will typically have a wavelength in excess of ten kilometers when it comes ashore. Depending on the water depth and the coastal configuration, the waves may undergo extensive refraction – another process that may converge their energy to particular areas on the shore and thus increase the heights even more. Even if a tsunami wave may have been 1 meter of less in the deep ocean, it may grow into a huge 30-35 meter wave when it sweeps over the shore. Thus, tsunami waves may smash into the shore like a wall of water or move in as a fast moving flood or tide – carrying everything on their path. Either way, the waves become a significant threat to life and property. If the tsunami waves arrive at high tide, or if there are concurrent storm waves in the area, the effects will be cumulative and the inundation and destruction even greater.The historic record shows that there have been many tsunamis that have struck the shores with devastating force, sometimes reaching heights of more than 30-50 meters. For example, the 1946 tsunami generated by an earthquake off Unimak island in Alaska's Aleutian Islands, reached heights of more than 35 meters, which destroyed a reinforced concrete lighthouse and killed its occupants. Finally, the maximum height a tsunami reaches on shore is called the runup. It is the vertical distance between the maximum height reached by the water on shore and the mean sea level surface. Any tsunami runup over a meter is dangerous. The flooding by individual waves will typically last from ten minutes to a half-hour, so the danger period can last for hours. Tsunami runup at the point of impact will depend on how the energy is focused, the travel path of the tsunami waves, the coastal configuration, and the offshore topography. Small islands with steep slopes usually experience little runup – wave heights there are only slightly greater than on the open ocean. This is the reason that islands with steep-sided fringing or barrier reefs are only at moderate risk from tsunamis. However, this is not the case for islands such as the Hawaiian or the Marquesas. Both of these island chains do not have extensive barrier reefs and have broad bays exposed to the open ocean. For example, Hilo Bay at the island of Hawaii and Tahauku Bay at Hiva Oa in the Marquesas are especially vulnerable. The 1946 Aleutian tsunami resulted in runup, which exceeded 8 m at Hilo and 10 m at Tahauku; 59 people were killed in Hilo and two in Tahauku. Similarly, any gap in a reef puts the adjacent shoreline at risk. The local tsunami from the Suva earthquake of 1953 did little damage because of Fiji's extensive offshore reefs. However, two villages on the island of Viti Levu, located on opposite gaps in the reef, were extensively damaged and five people were drowned. Back to Top

11. What are some of the largest historical tsunamis?

Destructive tsunamis have occurred in all of the world's oceans and seas. In the last half of the 20th Century, Pacific-wide, destructive tsunamis occurred in 1946, 1952, 1957, 1960, and 1964. (Many more tsunamis in inland seas around the periphery of the Pacific, where extremely destructive locally and claimed thousands of lives. Such localized tsunamis occurred in 1975, 1983, 1985, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1998, 1999 and 2001.

The 1 April 1946 Aleutian Earthquake and Tsunami One of the most destructive Pacific-wide tsunamis was generated by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake near Unimak Island in Alaska's Aleutian Island Chain. A huge wave of 35 meters destroyed completely the U.S. Coast Guard's Scotch Cap lighthouse on Unimak and killed all five of its occupants. The lighthouse was a steel-reinforced concrete structure standing about 30 meters above sea level. Without warning, destructive tsunami waves reached the Hawaiian Islands, five hours later, causing considerable damage and loss of life. The waves completely obliterated Hilo's waterfront on the island of Hawaii, killing 159 people there. Altogether a total 165 people lost their lives from this tsunami, including children attending school at Hawaii's Laupahoehoe Point, where waves reaching up to 8 m destroyed also a hospital. Damage was estimated at $26 million (in 1946 dollars). In 1948, and as a result of this tsunami, the U.S. established a Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii. Back to Top

The 4 November 1952 Kamchatka Earthquake and Tsunami A strong earthquake (magnitude 8.2) off the coast of Kamchatka Peninsula generated a great destructive Pacific-wide tsunami. Its waves struck the Kamchatka Peninsula, the Kuril Islands and other areas of Russia's Far East, causing considerable damage and loss of life. The tsunami was widely observed and recorded in Japan, but there was no loss of life or damage there. There was considerable damage in the Hawaiian Islands and some damage in Peru and Chile. The tsunami was recorded or observed throughout the islands of the Pacific. In New Zealand waves reached height of 1m. In Alaska, in the Aleutian Islands and in California waves of up to 1.4 meters were observed or recorded. By far the largest waves outside the generating area were observed in the Hawaiian Islands. Fortunately, no human lives were lost in Hawaii from this tsunami, but damage was extensive, estimates ranging from $800,000- $1,000,000 (in 1952 dollars). The tsunami caused damage on Midway Island. Elsewhere in the Hawaiian island chain, the waves destroyed boats and piers, knocked down telephone lines, and caused extensive beach erosion. In some locations, tsunami waves were destructive in certain locations but hardly noticeable at others. The north shore of the Island of Oahu experienced higher waves of up to 4.5 meters. On the south shore of the island, the tsunami was powerful enough to throw a cement barge in the Honolulu Harbor into a freighter. The island of Hawaii experienced run up to 6.1 meters. In Hilo, a small bridge connecting Coconut Island to the shore was destroyed by one of the tsunami waves lifting it off its foundation, then smashing it down. The effects of the tsunami in the generating area in Kamchatka, varied significantly. From Kamchatka Peninsula to Kronotsky Peninsula the wave heights ranged from zero to 5 meters. From Kronotsky Peninsula to Cape Shipursky the heights ranged from 4-13 meters. The highest wave of 13 meters was the third and was observed at Olga Bay, where it caused considerable damage. Travel time of the first tsunami wave to Olga Bay was approximately 42 minutes after the earthquake. From Cape Shipursky to Cape Povorotny, the tsunami waves ranged from 1 to 10 meters and caused considerable loss of life and damage. At Avachinskaia Bay the tsunami height was 1.2 meters and its travel time was about 30 minutes. From Cape Povorotny to Cape Lopatkka the waves ranged from 5 to 15 meters. At Khodutka Bay a cutter was thrown 500 meters back from shore. On the West coast of Kamchatka Peninsula, the maximum tsunami runup at Ozernoe was 5 meters. At Alaid Island of the Kuril Island group, run up was 1.5 meters. At Shumshu Island it ranged from 7-9 meters. At Paramushir Island the waves ranged from 4-18.4 meters. At Severo – Kurilsk on Paramushir Island, the second wave was the highest reaching maximum run up of 15 meters. It destroyed most of the town and caused considerable loss of life. At Onekotan Island tsunami run up was 9 meters, while at Shiashkoton Island it was 8 meters and at Iturup Island 2.5 meters. Waves of up to 2 meters were observed at the Komandorsk Islands and at Okhotsk. At Sakhalin – Korsakov a 1-meter tsunami wave was observed. Back to Top

The 9 March 1957 Aleutian Earthquake and Tsunami On March 9, 1957, an 8.3 magnitude earthquake south of the Andreanof Islands, in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska – in the same general area as that of April 1, 1946 – generated a Pacific-wide tsunami. Although no lives were lost, there was extensive destruction of property in the Hawaiian Islands, with damage estimated at approximately $5 million (1957 dollars). The waves were particularly high on the north shore of the island of Kauai where they reached a maximum height of 16 meters, flooding the highway and destroying houses and bridges. This was twice the height of the 1946 tsunami. At Hilo, Hawaii, the tsunami runup reached 3.9 m and there was damage to numerous buildings along the waterfront. Within Hilo Bay, Coconut Island was covered by 1 m of water and the bridge connecting it to the shore, as in 1952, was again destroyed. Back to Top

The 22 May 1960 Chilean Earthquake and Tsunami The largest earthquake (magnitude 9.5) of the 20th century occurred on May 22, 1960 off the coast of south central Chile. It generated a Pacific-wide tsunami, which was destructive locally in Chile and throughout the Pacific Ocean. The tsunami killed an estimated 2,300 people in Chile. There was tremendous loss of life and property in the Hawaiian Islands, in Japan and elsewhere in the Pacific. Destructive waves in Hilo, Hawaii, destroyed the waterfront and killed 61 people. Total damage was estimated at more than $500 million (1960 dollars). Back to Top

The 27-28 March 1964 Alaska Earthquake and Tsunami The largest earthquake of the 20th Century in the northern hemisphere, with a magnitude 8.4, affected an area in Alaska that was almost 1600 km long and more than 300 km wide – extending from Valdez to the Trinity Islands, southwest of Kodiak Island in the Gulf of Alaska. The earthquake caused areas to be lifted by as much as 15 m (50 feet) in certain areas, while many other areas subsided greatly. In addition to many local tsunamis generated within the Prince William Sound, vertical crustal displacements averaging 1.8 m (6 ft.) over an area of about 300,000 square kilometers (115,000 square miles) extending in the Gulf of Alaska's continental shelf, generated a Pacific-wide tsunami. Its waves were very destructive in southeastern Alaska, in Vancouver Island (British Columbia), and in the U.S. States of Washington, California and Hawaii. The tsunami killed more than 120 people and caused more than $106 million in damages, making it the costliest ever to strike the Western United States and Canada. Five of Alaska's seven largest communities were devastated by the combination of earthquake and tsunami wave damage. Alaska's fishing industry and most seaport facilities were virtually destroyed. Tsunami waves at Kodiak Island washed away a total of 158 houses and buildings within two blocks of the waterfront. Fishing boats were carried hundreds of meters inland. The 1964 tsunami waves caused also extensive damage in Vancouver Island (British Columbia), and in the states of Washington, California and Hawaii, in the United States. The waves affected the entire California coastline, but were particularly high from Crescent City to Monterey ranging from 2.1 - 6.3 meters (7-21 feet). Hardest hit was Crescent City, California, where waves reaching as much as 6 meters (20-21 feet) destroyed half of the waterfront business district. Eleven persons lost their lives there. At Santa Cruz Harbor, the tsunami waves reached as high as 3.3 meters (11 feet) causing some damage. There was extensive damage in San Francisco Bay, the marinas in Marin County and at the Noyo, Los Angeles and Long Beach harbors. Estimated losses in California were between $1,500,000 and $2,375,000 (1964 dollars), while at Crescent City tsunami damage was estimated at $7,414,000. Back to Top

12. Why are locally generated tsunamis so dangerous?

A locally generated tsunami may reach a nearby shore in less than ten minutes. There is not sufficient time for the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center or for local authorities to issue a warning. For people living near the coast, the shaking of the ground is a warning that a tsunami may be imminent. For tsunamis from more distant sources, however, accurate warnings of when a tsunami might arrive are possible because tsunamis travel at a known speed. Back to Top

13. Where can I find more tsunami related FAQs?

Geoscience Australia's Tsunami Factsheet http://www.ga.gov.au/scientific-topics/hazards/tsunami These questions are answered on this factsheet:

• How do tsunamis occur?
• Do tsunamis reach Australia?
• How are tsunami warnings issued?
• What areas of Oahu are vulnerable to tsunamis?
• How will I know that a tsunami is expected?
• What should I do when watches, warning or tsunami evacuation advisories/orders are issued?
• How can I get to a safe area or shelter if I have no transportation?
• Will residents and property owners be allowed to enter tsunami evacuation zones?
• What if a tsunami warning is issued while my child is in school?
• How can I obtain emergency assistance?
• How can I obtain more information about tsunami hazards and preparedness?
• Where is Hilo, Hawaii?
• What does the word tsunami mean?
• What causes a tsunami? How is a tsunami wave different from a normal wave?
• What is run-up?
• Do all oceans have tsunamis?
• How are tsunami wave heights measured?
• How long does it take a tsunami to reach land?
• What is the Tsunami Warning system?
• What is the difference between a Tsunami Watch and a Tsunami Warning?
• How many warnings have been issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center since it was established?
• What should I do or not do in a tsunami warning?
• Can the arrival time of a tsunami be accurately predicted?
• What has been the most destructive tsunami to strike the Hawaiian Islands in recent history?
• How many Pacific-wide tsunamis have struck the Hawaiian Islands in recent history?
• How many locally generated tsunamis have occurred in the Hawaiian Islands in recent history?
• What is the "wrap-around" effect?
• How many waves are there in a tsunami?
• How does a tsunami behave as it approaches land?
• How are inundation/evacuation areas determined?
• Since I don't live in an inundation area why should I be concerned?
• If I would like more information on tsunamis who should I contact?

West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center FAQs https://ptwc.weather.gov/ptwc/faq.php Questions answered include:

• What does the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center do?
• When is a warning issued?
• If you feel a large earthquake, should you wait for a warning or evacuate?
• How are tsunami generated?
• Do all large earthquakes, greater than magnitude 7.0 generate dangerous tsunamis?
• What was the biggest earthquake ever recorded?
• Does Alaska have a history as a dangerous tsunami source region?
• What does the word 'tsunami' mean?
• Can a tsunami sink a ship?

14. What is a mega-tsunami and can it happen today?

The following is a position paper that was issued by the Tsunami Society concerning the occurrence of Mega-Tsunamis:

The mission of the Tsunami Society includes "the dissemination of knowledge about tsunamis to scientists, officials, and the public". We have established a committee of private, university, and government scientists to accomplish part of this goal by correcting misleading or invalid information released to public about this hazard. We can supply both valid, correct and important information and advice to the public, and the names of reputable scientists active in the field of tsunami, who can provide such information.

Most recently, the Discovery Channel has replayed a program alleging potential destruction of coastal areas of the Atlantic by tsunami waves which might be generated in the near future by a volcanic collapse in the Canary Islands. Other reports have involved a smaller but similar catastrophe from Kilauea volcano on the island of Hawaii. They like to call these occurences "mega tsunamis". We would like to halt the scaremongering from these unfounded reports. We wish to provide the media with factual information so that the public can be properly informed about actual hazards of tsunamis and their mitigation.

Here are a set of facts, agreed on by committee members, about the claims in these reports:

• While the active volcano of Cumbre Vieja on Las Palma is expected to erupt again, it will not send a large part of the island into the ocean, though small landslides may occur. The Discovery program does not bring out in the interviews that such volcanic collapses are extremely rare events, separated in geologic time by thousands or even millions of years.
• No such event – a mega tsunami – has occurred in either the Atlantic or Pacific oceans in recorded history. NONE.
• The colossal collapses of Krakatau or Santorin (the two most similar known happenings) generated catastrophic waves in the immediate area but hazardous waves did not propagate to distant shores. Carefully performed numerical and experimental model experiments on such events and of the postulated Las Palma event verify that the relatively short waves from these small, though intense, occurrences do not travel as do tsunami waves from a major earthquake.
• The U.S. volcano observatory, situated on Kilauea, near the current eruption, states that there is no likelihood of that part of the island breaking off into the ocean.
• These considerations have been published in journals and discussed at conferences sponsored by the Tsunami Society.
• "Evaluation of the threat of Mega Tsunami Generation From ....Volcanoes on La Palma ... and Hawaii", George Pararas-Carayannis, in Science of Tsunami Hazards, Vol 20, No.5, pages 251-277, 2002.
• "Modeling the La Palma Landslide Tsunami", Charles L. Mader, in Science of Tsunami Hazards, Vol. 19, No. 3, pages 160-180, 2001.
• "Volcano Growth and the Evolution of the Island of Hawaii", J.G. Moore and D.A.Clague, in the Geologic Society of America Bulletin, 104, 1992.
• Mr. George Curtis, Hilo, HI (Committee Chairman) 808-963-6670
• Dr. Tad Murty, Ottawa, Canada, 613-731-8900
• Dr. Laura Kong, Honolulu, HI, 808-532-6423
• Dr. George Pararas-Carayannis, Honolulu, HI, 808-943-1150
• Dr. Charles L. Mader, Los Alamos, NM, 808-396-9855

For information regarding the Tsunami Society and its publications, visit: www.sthjournal.org .

For general and educational material on tsunamis, check: www.tsunami.org .

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Essay on tsunami: top 8 essays | natural disasters | geography.

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• Essay on the Research on Tsunami Disaster Prevention 

Essay # 1. Meaning of Tsunami :

When a large earthquake happens beneath an ocean floor, it can change the level of the floor suddenly, raising and lowering it substantially. This produces a large disturbance in the sea. The size and energy of disturbance depends on the magnitude of the earth quake.

Most severe earthquakes occur near the subduction zone of the tectonic plates. A wave starts spreading out. The height of the wave might be only a few meters, but this wave is very different from the normal oceanic waves produced by the action of the wind on the surface.

This wave invokes up and down movement of the whole column of the ocean above the affected zone that might be hundreds of kilometres in length.

The speed of the wave in the deep ocean is nearly the same as the cruising speed of a jet liner, namely 7-8 hundred kilometres per hour. In the middle of the ocean surface, this wave might be seen as a gentle swell and fall of the ocean surface and does not represent a major hazard to boats and ships. But it becomes dangerously high and devastating when it approaches the coast. This is called the much feared tsunami.

Tsunami (pronounced tsoo – nah – mee) is a Japanese word, which means ‘harbour wave’. Tsu means harbour and nami stands for wave. Tsunamis are large waves that are generated when the sea floor is deformed by seismic activity, vertically displacing the overlying water in the ocean.

An earthquake occurred with its epicentre 257km south-southwest of Sumatra in December 2004. The magnitude of the earthquake was 8.9 on the Richter scale. That is why, it was most powerful in the world in the past 40 years.

Most of the destruction was caused by seismic waves or tsunami that hit India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Thailand within two hours of the first impact of earthquake. This earthquake was the world’s fifth most powerful, since 1900 and the strongest since a 9.2 temblor slammed Alaska in 1964, U.S. earthquake.

It has been observed that the Sumatra quake occurred at a place where several massive geological plates push against each other with a strong force. The survey indicates that 1000 km section along the boundary of the plates shifted motion that triggered the sudden displacement, causing the huge tsunamis.

It may be several meters high when it hits the sea shore. Tsunami may not be one giant wave but a series of waves that come to the coast in a short interval.

An earthquake occurred on 8 th May, 2008 at Siachuan in China, which caused widespread destruction. Another earthquake occurred on 11 th April, 2012 with powerful magnitude about 500 km south-west of Banda Aceh, on the northern tip of Indonesia’s Sumatra island.

The magnitude of the earthquake was 8.6 on the Richter scale. The termors of varying intensity were felt in Tamilnadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and West Bengal. However, this time earthquake has not caused widespread destruction and loss of lives, because the strength of tsunami was very low.

Essay # 2. Causes of Tsunami:

The principal generation mechanism (or cause) of a tsunami is the displacement of a substantial volume of water or perturbation of the sea. This displacement of water is usually attributed to earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions and glacier calvings or more rarely by meteorites and nuclear test. The waves formed in this way are then sustained by gravity. Tides do not play any part in the generation of tsunamis.

Seismicity:

Tsunami can be generated when the sea floor abruptly deforms and vertically displaces the overlying water. Tectonic earthquakes are a particular kind of earthquake that are associated with the Earth’s crustal deformation; when these earthquakes occur beneath the sea, the water above the deformed area is displaced from its equilibrium position.

More specifically, a tsunami can be generated when thrust faults associated with convergent or destructive plate boundaries move abruptly, resulting in water displacement, owing to the vertical component of movement involved. Movement on normal faults will also cause displacement of the seabed, but the size of the largest of such events is normally too small to give rise to a significant tsunami.

Tsunamis have a small amplitude (wave height) offshore, and a very long wavelength (often hundreds of kilometers long, whereas normal ocean waves have a wavelength of only 30 or 40 meters), [30] which is why they generally pass unnoticed at sea, forming only a slight swell usually about 300 millimeters (12) above the normal sea surface. They grow in height when they reach shallower water, in a wave shoaling process described below. A tsunami can occur in any tidal state and even at low tide can still inundate coastal areas.

On April 1, 1946, a magnitude-7.8 (Richter scale) earthquake occurred near the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. It generated a tsunami which inundated Hilo on the island of Hawaii with a 14-metre high (46 ft.) surge. The area where the earthquake occurred is where the Pacific Ocean floor is subducting (or being pushed downwards) under Alaska.

Examples of tsunami originating at locations away from convergent boundaries include Storegga about 8,000 years ago, Grand Banks 1929, Papa New Guinea 1998. The Grand Banks and Papua New Guinea tsunamis came from earthquakes which destabilised sediments, causing them to flow into the ocean and generate a tsunami. They dissipated before traveling transoceanic distances. The cause of the Storegga sediment failure is unknown. Possibilities include an overloading of the sediments, an earthquake or a release of gas hydrates (methane etc.)

Landslides :

In the 1950s, it was discovered that larger tsunamis than had previously been believed possible could be caused by giant submarine landslides. These rapidly displace large water volumes, as energy transfers to the water at a rate faster than the water can absorb. Their existence was confirmed in 1958, when a giant landslide in Lituya Bay, Alaska, caused the highest wave ever recorded, which had a height of 524 meters (over 1700 feet).

The wave did not travel far, as it struck land almost immediately. Two people fishing in the bay were killed, but another boat amazingly managed to ride the wave. Another landslide-tsunami event occurred in 1963 when a massive landslide from Monte Toe went into the Vajont Dam in Italy.

The resulting wave overtopped the 262 m (860 ft.) high dam by 250 meters (820 ft.) and destroyed several towns. Around 2,000 people died. Scientists named these waves mega tsunami. Scientists discovered that extremely large landslides from volcanic island collapses may be able to generate mega tsunamis that can cross oceans.

In general, landslides generate displacements mainly in the shallower parts of the coastline, and there is conjecture about the nature of truly large landslides that end in water. This is proven to lead to huge effect in closed bays and lakes, but an open oceanic landslide large enough to cause a tsunami across an ocean has not yet happened since before seismology has been a major area of scientific study, and only very rarely in human history.

Susceptible areas focus for now on the islands of Hawaii and La Palma in the Canary Islands, where large masses of relatively unconsolidated volcanic shield on slopes occur. Considerable doubt exists about how loosely linked these slopes actually are.

Meteotsunamis :

Some meteorological condition, especially deep depressions such as tropical cyclones, can generate a type of storm surge called ameteotsunami which raises water heights above normal levels, often suddenly at the shoreline. In the case of deep tropical cyclones, this is due to very low atmospheric pressure and inward swirling winds causing an uplifted dome of water to form under and travel in tandem with the storm. When these water domes reach shore, they rear up in shallows and surge laterally like earthquake-generated tsunamis, typically arriving shortly after landfall of the storm’s eye.

Man-made or Triggered Tsunamis :

There have been studies and at least one attempt to create tsunami waves as a tectonic weapon or whether human behavior may trigger tsunamis, e.g., in the (debunked). In World War II, the New Zealand Military Forces initiated Project Seal, which attempted to create small tsunamis with explosives in the area of today’s Shakespeare Regional Park; the attempt failed.

There has been considerable speculation on the possibility of using nuclear weapons to cause tsunamis near to an enemy coastline. Even during World War II consideration of the idea using conventional explosives was explored. Nuclear testing in the Pacific Proving Ground by the United States seemed to generate poor results.

Operation Cross roads fired two 20 kilotonnes of TNT (84 TJ) bombs, one in the air and one underwater, above and below the shallow (50 m (160 ft.)) waters of the Bikini Atoll lagoon. Fired about 6 km (3.7 mi) from the nearest island, the waves there were no higher than 3-4 m (9.8-13.1 ft.) upon reaching the shoreline.

Other underwater tests, mainly Hardtack I/Wahoo (deep water) and Hardtack 1/ Umbrella (shallow water) confirmed the results. Analysis of the effects of shallow and deep underwater explosions indicate that the energy of the explosions doesn’t easily generate the kind of deep, all-ocean waveforms which are tsunamis; most of the energy creates steam, causes vertical fountains above the water, and creates compressional waveforms. Tsunamis are hallmarked by permanent large vertical displacements of very large volumes of water which don’t occur in explosions.

Essay # 3. Damages Caused by Tsunami:

Tsunamis cause damage by two mechanisms:

The smashing force of a wall of water travelling at high speed, and the destructive power of a large volume of water draining off the land and carrying a large amount of debris with it, even with waves that do not appear to be large. While everyday wind waves have a wavelength (from crest to crest) of about 100 meters (330 ft.) and a height of roughly 2 meters (6.6 ft.), a tsunami in the deep ocean has a much larger wavelength of up to 200 kilometers (120 mi).

Such a wave travels at well over 800 kilometers per hour (500 mph), but owing to the enormous wavelength the wave oscillation at any given point takes 20 or 30 minutes to complete a cycle and has an amplitude of only about 1 meter (3.3 ft.). This makes tsunamis difficult to detect over deep water, where ships are unable to feel their passage.

The reason for the Japanese name “harbour wave” is that sometimes a village’s fishermen would sail out, and encounter no unusual waves while out at sea fishing, and come back to land to find their village devastated by a huge wave. As the tsunami approaches the coast and the waters become shallow, wave shoaling compresses the wave and its speed decreases below 80 kilometers per hour (50 mph).

Its wavelength diminishes to less than 20 kilometers (12 mi) and its amplitude grows enormously. Since the wave still has the same very long period, the tsunami may take minutes to reach full height. Except for the very largest tsunamis, the approaching wave does not break, but rather appears like a fast-moving tidal bore. Open bays and coastlines adjacent to very deep water may shape the tsunami further into a step-like wave with a steep-breaking front.

When the tsunami’s wave peak reaches the shore, the resulting temporary rise in sea level is termed run up. Run up is measured in meters above a reference sea level. A large tsunami may feature multiple waves arriving over a period of hours, with significant time between the wave crests. The first wave to reach the shore may not have the highest run up. About 80% of tsunamis occur in the Pacific Ocean, but they are possible wherever there are large bodies of water, including lakes. They are caused by earthquakes, landslides, volcanic explosions, glacier calvings, and bolides.

Essay # 4. Drawback of Tsunami :

An illustration of rhythmic drawback of surface water associated with a wave that follows a very large drawback may herald the arrival of very large wave.

All waves have a positive and negative peak, i.e., a ridge and a trough. In the case of a propagating wave like a tsunami, either may be the first to arrive. If the first part to arrive at shore is the ridge, a massive breaking wave or sudden flooding will be the first effect noticed on land.

However, if the first part to arrive is a trough, a drawback will occur as the shoreline recedes dramatically, exposing normally submerged areas. Drawback can exceed hundreds of meters, and people unaware of the danger sometimes remain near the shore to satisfy their curiosity or to collect fish from the exposed seabed.

A typical wave period for a damaging tsunami is about 12 minutes. This means that if the drawback phase is the first part of the wave to arrive, the sea will recede, with areas well below sea level exposed after 3 minutes. During the next 6 minutes the tsunami wave trough builds into a ridge, and during this time the sea is filled in and destruction occurs on land. During the next 6 minutes, the tsunami wave changes from a ridge to a trough, causing flood waters to drain and drawback to occur again. This may sweep victims and debris some distance from land. The process repeats as the next wave arrives.

Essay # 5. Scales of Inten sity And Magnitude of Tsunami:

As with earthquakes, several attempts have been made to set up scales of tsunami intensity or magnitude to allow comparison between different events.

Intensity Scales:

The first scales used routinely to measure the intensity of tsunami were the Sieberg- Ambraseys scale, used in the Mediterranean Sea and the Imamura-Iida intensity scale, used in the Pacific Ocean.

The latter scale was modified by Soloviev, who calculated the Tsunami intensity I according to the formula:

where H av is the average wave height along the nearest coast. This scale, known as the Soloviev-Imamura tsunami intensity scale, is used in the global tsunami catalogues compiled by the NGDC/NOAA and the Novosibirsk Tsunami Laboratory as the main parameter for the size of the tsunami.

In 2013, following the intensively studied tsunamis in 2004 and 2011, a new 12 point scale was proposed, the Integrated Tsunami Intensity Scale (ITIS-2012), intended to match as closely as possible to the modified ESI2007 and EMS earthquake intensity scales.

Magnitude Scales :

The first scale that genuinely calculated a magnitude for a tsunami, rather than an intensity at a particular location was the ML scale proposed by Murty and Loomis based on the potential energy. Difficulties in calculating the potential energy of the tsunami mean that this scale is rarely used. Abe introduced the tsunami magnitude scale M t , calculated from,

M t = a log h + b log R = D

where h is the maximum tsunami-wave amplitude (in m) measured by a tide gauge at a distance R from the epicenter, a, b and D are constants used to make the Mt scale match as closely as possible with the moment magnitude scale.

Essay # 6. Tsunami Warning Sign :

Drawbacks can serve as a brief warning. People who observe drawback (many survivors report an accompanying sucking sound), can survive only if they immediately run for high ground or seek the upper floors of nearby buildings. In 2004, ten-year-old Tilly Smith of Surrey, England, was on Maikhao beach in Phuket, Thailand with her parents and sister, and having learned about tsunamis recently in school, told her family that a tsunami might be imminent. Her parents warned others minutes before the wave arrived, saving dozens of lives. She credited her geography teacher, Andrew Kearney.

In the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami drawback was not reported on the African coast or any other east-facing coasts that it reached. This was because the wave moved downwards on the eastern side of the fault line and upwards on the western side. The western pulse hit coastal Africa and other western areas.

A tsunami cannot be precisely predicted, even if the magnitude and location of an earthquake is known. Geologists, oceano graphers, and seismologists analyse each earthquake and based on many factors may or may not issue a tsunami warning. However, there are some warning signs of an impending tsunami, and automated systems can provide warnings immediately after an earthquake in time to save lives. One of the most successful systems uses bottom pressure sensors, attached to buoys, which constantly monitor the pressure of the overlying water column.

Regions with a high tsunami risk typically use tsunami warning systems to warn the population before the wave reaches land. On the west coast of the United States, which is prone to Pacific Ocean tsunami, warning signs indicate evacuation routes. In Japan, the community is well-educated about earthquakes and tsunamis, and along the Japanese shorelines the tsunami warning signs are reminders of the natural hazards together with a network of warning sirens, typically at the top of the cliff of surroundings hills.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning System is based in Honolulu, Hawaii. It monitors Pacific Ocean seismic activity. A sufficiently large earthquake magnitude and other information triggers a tsunami warning. While the subduction zones around the Pacific are seismically active, not all earthquakes generate tsunami. Computers assist in analysing the tsunami risk of every earthquake that occurs in the Pacific Ocean and the adjoining land masses.

Essay # 7. Questions for Tsunami Preparedness:

Millions of people around the world live in areas at risk for tsunamis, such as Hawaii, Alaska, the US and Canadian coasts, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and India and millions more visit these places every day.

In the event of a tsunami, following are answers to the most commonly asked questions:

1. What is a Tsunami?

A tsunami is a series of ocean waves generated by sudden movements in the sea floor, landslides, or volcanic activity. In the deep ocean, the tsunami wave may only be a few inches high. The tsunami wave may come gently ashore or may increase in height as it gets closer to shore to become a fast moving wall of turbulent water several meters high.

2. Are Tsunamis Common?

Tsunamis are quite rare compared to other hazardous natural events, but they can be just as deadly and destructive. As a result of their rarity, tsunami hazard planning along the US and Canadian west coasts, Alaska and within the Pacific Region is inconsistent. Even in locations with a history of deadly tsunamis, an adequate level of awareness and preparedness is difficult to achieve.

3. Can a Tsunami be prevented?

Although a tsunami cannot be prevented, the effect of a tsunami can be reduced through community preparedness, timely warnings, and effective response. NOAA is leading the world in providing tsunami observations and research. Through innovative programs, NOAA is helping coastal communities prepare for possible tsunamis to save lives and protect property.

High Resolution :

NOAA’s Tsunami Warning System (TWS) monitors the Pacific Basin for potential tsunami activity. As part of the TWS, NOAA operates two Tsunami Warning Centers in Alaska and Hawaii. The Alaska Tsunami Warning Center serves as the regional Tsunami Warning Center for Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center serves as the regional Tsunami Warning Center for Hawaii and as a national/international warning center for tsunamis that pose a Pacific-wide threat. When tsunami activity is detected, NOAA issues tsunami watch, warning, and information bulletins to appropriate emergency officials and the general public by a variety of communication methods.

The warning includes predicted tsunami arrival times at selected coastal communities within the geographic area defined by the maximum distance the tsunami could travel in a few hours. If a significant tsunami is detected, the tsunami warning is extended to the entire Pacific Basin.

Because of the December 2004 tsunami in South Asia, NOAA is expanding the US Tsunami Warning Program. This expansion will increase the current Pacific Ocean network of 6 DART Buoys to 39 in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and the Caribbean Sea, establish an Atlantic Tsunami Warning Center, deploy second generation buoys, and expand the Tsunami Mitigation Program including outreach and education.

Can the Damage be Minimized?

Yes. For example, the State of Hawaii is addressing tsunami risk through the Hazard Education and Awareness Tool (HEAT), a Web site template that uses Google Maps technology, spatial hazard data, and preparedness information to help increase awareness of coastal hazards.

NOAA’s Pacific Services Center used HEAT to develop a tsunami information service that provides residents and visitors convenient, online access to interactive evacuation zone maps, along with the education and awareness information needed to be prepared in the event of a tsunami. HEAT project partners in Hawaii include state and local planning and civil defense officials, the Red Cross and other disaster relief agencies.

What Can You Do?

Develop a Family Disaster Plan. Learn about tsunami risk in your community. Find out if your home, school, workplace or other frequently visited locations are in tsunami hazard areas. Know the height of your street above sea level and its distance from the coast or other high-risk waters. Evacuation orders may be based on these numbers. Find out if your community is Tsunami Ready.

If you are visiting an area at risk from tsunamis, check with the hotel, motel, or campground operators for tsunami evacuation information and how you would be warned.

It is important to know designated escape routes before a warning is issued:

I. Plan an Evacuation Route:

Plan an evacuation route from your home, school, workplace, or any other place you’ll be where tsunamis present a risk. If possible, pick an area 100 feet above sea level or go up to two miles inland, away from the coastline. If you can’t get this high or far, go as high as you can. Every foot inland or upwards may make a difference.

II. Practice your Evacuation Route:

Familiarity may save your life. Be able to follow your escape route at night and during inclement weather. Practicing your plan makes the appropriate response more instinctive, requiring less thinking during an actual emergency situation.

III. Get a NOAA Weather Radio:

Use a NOAA Weather Radio with a tone-alert feature to keep you informed of local watches and warnings. The tone alert feature will warn you of potential danger even if you are not currently listening to local radio or television stations.

IV. Talk to Your Insurance Agent:

Homeowners’ policies do not cover flooding from a tsunami. Ask about the National Flood Insurance Program.

V. Discuss Tsunami Preparedness with Your Family:

Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together. Discussing the dangers of tsunamis and your evacuation plans ahead of time will help reduce fear and anxiety, and let everyone know how to respond. Review flood safety and preparedness measures with your family.

VI. Prepare the essentials:

Prepare a supply kit equipped to sustain you and your family for about a week and make sure it is readily accessible in case you need to take quick action.

VII. Have a Pet Plan:

Sheltering your pet or evacuating it with you can have an effect on your overall plan. You may need to take special steps to make sure your pet is safe before, during, and after the disaster.

VIII. Heed Warnings:

When local and state officials issue warnings and evacuation notices, adhere to their directions and implement your disaster plan immediately.

IX. Make your community Tsunami Ready:

The Tsunami Ready Program, developed by NOAA’s National Weather Service, is designed to help cities, towns, counties, universities and other large sites in coastal areas reduce the potential for disastrous tsunami- related consequences.

X. Tsunami Ready helps community leaders and emergency managers strengthen their local operations. Tsunami Ready communities are better prepared to save lives through better planning, education and awareness. Communities have fewer fatalities and property damage if they plan before a tsunami arrives. No community is tsunami proof, but Tsunami Ready can help minimize loss to your community.

Essay # 8. Research on Tsunami Disaster Prevention :

Background :

Looking at the history globally Japan has suffered from repeated tsunami-caused damage, and massive tsunamis are anticipated as a result of mega-thrust earthquakes such as the Tokai, Tonankai and Nankai earthquakes. PARI and other institutions have conducted research on tsunami disaster prevention and mitigation. However, the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami resulted in unprecedented damage.

When considering the possibility of giant tsunamis in the future such as those in 2011, further research and development are needed to save people’s lives, reduce economic loss, and make early restoration and reconstruction possible. This research theme therefore involves engineering oriented research and development in regard to tsunami propagation and inundation, stability of structures against tsunamis, combined earthquake/tsunami disasters, etc.

Areas for future research:

(i) Research on combined Earthquake/Tsunami Disasters:

Regarding a combined earthquake/tsunami disaster caused by a large mega-thrust earthquake, we investigate disaster mechanisms on the basis of laboratory experiments and develop numerical models for disaster prediction. The experimental studies involve the development of facilities combining a geotechnical centrifuge and a tsunami flume.

(ii) Research on developing structural measures for tsunami disaster mitigation and early restoration:

We develop countermeasures to control damage of structures caused by tsunamis exceeding the design parameters, performance verification methods to predict structure displacement, and hardware technologies to reduce tsunami energy,

(iii) Research on developing software for tsunami disaster mitigation and early restoration:

In addition to a real-time tsunami hazard mapping technology, we are developing an evacuation simulator to ensure early evacuation. We also explore ship motions induced by tsunami attacks, and consider safer procedures for ship evacuation. Moreover, we review scenario creation techniques including early recovery of ports, and promote practical use of such scenarios.

Activities in this Area:

1. Hydraulic model experiments were carried out to study the mechanisms of destruction of breakwaters in order to establish resilient structures to tsunamis higher than the design tsunami, given the damage caused by tsunamis in the Great East Japan Earthquake. At the same time, model experiments were carried out to examine the mechanisms in the destruction of embankments, parapets, coastal dikes, and tsunami evacuation buildings. Furthermore, we carried out model experiments to study the behavior of and countermeasures against containers and other objects washed away by tsunamis.

2. The mathematical simulation model of Storm Surge and Tsunami Simulator in Oceans and Coastal areas (STOC) developed by PARI were improved to enable computation of wave breaking of tsunamis and scouring and topographical changes to ports caused by tsunamis. The model was successfully validated in comparison with the tsunamis striking in Kuji Port and Hachinohe Port especially at the catastrophic event in 2011.

Furthermore, we elucidated the behavior of ships affected by the tsunami at Kashima Port through analysis of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data and identification of issues surrounding calculations of ship drift through numerical simulations.

3. In regard to mitigating damage from tsunamis, we implemented instant tsunami inundation forecasting technology (real time tsunami hazard mapping), using offshore tsunami measurement data acquired through GPS-equipped buoys, in a pilot site of Nagoya Port. We demonstrated that it is possible to forecast inundation area in Nagoya Port approximately two minutes after measurement of the peak of the first tsunami wave by the GPS-equipped buoys. These results were reported to the investigative commission on utilizing offshore wave detection systems set up by the Chubu Regional Bureau.

4. In regard to restoration and rehabilitation after being struck by tsunamis, simulations of the expected tsunami propagation, inundation, and drifting of ships and containers were carried out using STOC, in Shimizu Port. Simulations took the subsidence of breakwaters into account in predicting potential damage caused by tsunamis, based on Cabinet Office assumptions of what a Nankai Trough Earthquake would be like.

5. Development an evacuation simulator enabling analyses of the behaviour of agent models that simulate the evacuation of people through modeling of the intelligent behavior of people. This will enable clarification of the relationship between the inundation delaying effect of tsunami protection facilities and evacuation. Moreover, the “Tenth International Workshop on Coastal Disaster Prevention” was held in Santiago, Chile, on December 11, 2012, jointly organized with the cooperation of the Coastal Development Institute of Technology, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and the Ministry of Public Works of Chile. Information was shared on the current status of numerical tsunami computation technology, countermeasures against tsunamis, etc., and discussions were held on prevention of future tsunami disasters.

Furthermore, this workshop was held in conjunction with the “Second Japan-Chile Symposium on Tsunami Disaster Mitigation” which was an outreach activity of the SATREPS (Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development) Chile project.

6. We have led the SATREPS Chile project since 2011, collaborating with Kansai University, the Japan Agency for Marine- Earth Science and Technology, Yamaguchi University and other universities, institutions and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in Japan as well as Chilean universities, institutions and administrative bodies, that was funded by JST and JICA. Technical support in tsunami computation technology was also given to Chilean researchers and engineers as another activity of the project.

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Argumentative Essay: Solutions for Tsunamis

Tsunamis can be absolutely devastating for all forms of life on earth. The 2004 Boxing Day tsunami in South East Asia alone killed over 23,000 people and caused a humanitarian crisis on an almost unprecedented scale. It is impossible to prevent tsunamis from happening, as they are caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the water, both unpreventable natural disasters. However, there are ways that we can prepare for tsunamis and mitigate the effects, and it is vital that we do so to protect both human lives and livelihoods.

The first way to try and avoid tsunamis causing too much damage is too avoid building infrastructure upon inundation areas. All buildings would be located as far from these areas as possible, and the safest places to build housing is on high points. Because inundation areas are not desirable, it’s the poor who end up living on them, because they are cheaper and it is all they can afford. Governments need to reduce overcrowding in large cities and start taking care of their countries’ poor, and then so many would not be killed in tsunamis.

Infrastructure is also required to slow water down. Berms, ditches and slopes can all help to slow down the water, as can planting trees. It is very important that the force of the tsunami is correctly estimated for these measures to work efficiently, so research needs doing and proper warning systems need to be put in place.

It is also possible to steer the water to prevent it from hitting areas where it could cause massive damage, and this can be done used angled walls, ditches and paved roads. Porous dikes could also reduce the impact of violent waves in theory, but they are not used and considered in the way that they should be. Walls and other structures can also be used to block water from tsunamis, and they can prevent the water getting to houses and communities, and they should be put in place to help prevent death and damage.

Another very effective way of saving lives is to develop proper warning systems and research ways of predicting tsunamis before they happen. This would not save buildings but it could definitely save people’s lives, as they would have time to evacuate the area. Places of safety would have to be set up though, or the result would be a huge refugee crisis, and people would end up starving instead of drowning.

All in all, it is possible to reduce the devastation caused by tsunamis, but the methods require a great deal of investment. Sadly, tsunamis will continue to kill people until governments are willing to spend the money. However, they should because it would be worth it in the long run, as clearing up and rebuilding will ultimately cost more money than prevention.

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Damages of Tsunami to Human Beings Essay

1. Introduction A tsunami is a series of ocean waves with very long wavelengths (typically hundreds of kilometers) caused by large-scale disturbances of the ocean, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. When the sea floor is distorted, the water above is displaced. Displacement of water may also be caused by a sudden change in atmospheric pressure. Tsunamis are a Japanese term, which translates to "harbor wave." The reason why tsunamis are described like this is because when t ...

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Essay on Tsunami For Students and Children

Table of Contents

Essay on Tsunami: A tsunami is a giant sea wave caused by underwater disturbances, like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. Tsunamis can travel at incredible speeds and devastate coastal areas. Preparedness and early warning systems are crucial for staying safe during tsunamis. In this blog, we will explore the concept of tsunamis and provide sample essays of various lengths (100, 200, 400, and 500 words) to help you understand the science behind tsunamis, their impact, and safety measures.

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Long and Short Essay on Tsunami

Whether you are looking for a short essay on tsunami of 100 words or a long essay of 500 words, we have got you covered. Here we have provided sample essays on tsunami with all the information that you need.

Sample Essay 1: Tsunami (100 Words)

Tsunamis, often called “harbor waves,” are colossal ocean waves caused by various natural events. The most common trigger is an underwater earthquake, which displaces a massive amount of water. This displacement creates a series of powerful waves that can travel across entire ocean basins.

When these waves reach shallower coastal regions, their energy compresses, causing the waves to grow in height. Tsunamis can appear as rapid, massive walls of water crashing ashore. They bring widespread destruction, flooding, and loss of life.

Tsunami early warning systems use seismic sensors and buoys to detect potential threats. When an earthquake occurs, these systems send alerts to coastal communities, allowing time for evacuation.

Sample Essay 2: Tsunami (200 Words)

Tsunamis are natural disasters characterized by colossal sea waves. These waves are triggered by a variety of underwater disturbances, the most common being undersea earthquakes. When the Earth’s crust shifts during a quake, it displaces a significant volume of water. This displaced water forms waves that radiate outward from the earthquake’s epicenter.

In the open ocean, tsunamis may go unnoticed because they are relatively low and have long wavelengths. However, as they approach shallower coastal areas, the waves grow in height and can reach towering proportions. Tsunamis can move at remarkable speeds, covering vast distances and striking coastal communities with little warning.

The impact of a tsunami can be catastrophic. As the powerful waves surge inland, they inundate low-lying areas, causing widespread flooding and property damage. Coastal infrastructure and buildings are particularly vulnerable. The immense force of tsunamis can uproot trees, vehicles, and anything in their path, leading to loss of life and injuries.

To mitigate the devastating effects of tsunamis, early warning systems have been developed. These systems use a network of seismic sensors and ocean buoys to detect underwater disturbances that could trigger a tsunami. When an event is detected, warnings are issued to coastal communities, giving them precious time to evacuate to higher ground and seek safety.

Sample Essay 3: Tsunami (400 Words)

A tsunami is a powerful natural disaster that can cause widespread devastation. It is a series of ocean waves that are generated by geological disturbances such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or underwater landslides. These waves travel great distances across the ocean and can reach coastal areas with tremendous force, causing immense destruction. In this essay, we will explore the causes, effects, and precautionary measures associated with tsunamis.

Tsunamis are primarily caused by submarine earthquakes. When an earthquake occurs under the ocean, it can displace a large volume of water, creating a series of powerful waves. The strength and size of the waves are determined by factors such as the magnitude of the earthquake, the depth and location of its epicenter, and the characteristics of the seafloor. Volcanic eruptions and underwater landslides can also trigger tsunamis, although they are less common causes compared to earthquakes.

The effects of tsunamis can be devastating. As the waves approach the coast, their height increases, forming a wall of water that can reach heights of tens of meters. When these waves hit the shoreline, they can obliterate everything in their path, including buildings, infrastructure, and vegetation. The force of the waves can result in widespread flooding, with water infiltrating far inland. This can lead to the loss of human lives, displacement of populations, and destruction of entire communities. The economic and emotional toll of a tsunami can be immense and long-lasting.

Given the destructive potential of tsunamis, precautionary measures are crucial in order to minimize loss of life and property. Early warning systems, consisting of a network of sensors and communication systems, can detect the occurrence of an earthquake and subsequently issue a tsunami warning. This allows coastal populations to evacuate to higher ground or seek shelter in designated safe zones. Education and awareness campaigns are also important in order to educate people on how to respond to tsunami warnings and the importance of being prepared for such disasters.

In conclusion, tsunamis are a devastating natural disaster that can cause immense damage. They are primarily caused by submarine earthquakes but can also be triggered by volcanic eruptions or underwater landslides. The effects of tsunamis include widespread destruction, loss of life, and displacement of populations. Precautionary measures such as early warning systems and education campaigns are essential in minimizing the impact of tsunamis. It is important for coastal communities to be prepared and informed in order to mitigate the devastating consequences that tsunamis can bring.

Sample Essay 4: Tsunami (500 Words)

A tsunami is a tragic event that can cause immense destruction and loss of life. It is a series of ocean waves triggered by an underwater earthquake, volcanic eruption, or landslide. These waves can travel at incredible speeds across the ocean and reach massive heights when they make landfall. In this essay, we will explore the causes, effects, and preventive measures of tsunamis.

One of the primary causes of tsunamis is tectonic activity. When two tectonic plates beneath the Earth’s surface shift, it can result in an earthquake. If this earthquake occurs under the sea, it can displace a large volume of water, creating a tsunami. The magnitude of the earthquake determines the scale and intensity of the resulting tsunami. For instance, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was caused by a massive earthquake with a magnitude of 9.1-9.3 off the coast of Sumatra.

The effects of a tsunami are devastating. As the waves travel towards the coast, they gain speed and height. When they finally crash onto the land, they can cause massive flooding and widespread destruction. Entire villages and cities can be wiped out in a matter of minutes. The force of the waves can also destroy infrastructure, such as homes, hospitals, and schools. The aftermath of a tsunami is filled with despair, as survivors struggle to recover and rebuild their lives.

Preventive measures are crucial to minimize the impact of tsunamis. Early warning systems play a pivotal role in alerting coastal communities about the imminent danger. These systems use buoys, seismographs, and satellites to detect and monitor earthquakes and other potential triggers of tsunamis. When a threat is detected, warnings are issued to the vulnerable areas, allowing people to evacuate to safer grounds. Additionally, coastal communities must have well-constructed infrastructure, such as sea walls and flood barriers, to minimize the impact of the waves.

Communities affected by tsunamis must also focus on building resilience. Education plays a crucial role in ensuring that residents are aware of the signs of a tsunami and know how to react in such situations. Regular drills and evacuation exercises can help prepare the population in case of a real event. It is also important to develop contingency plans that include emergency shelters, healthcare facilities, and systems to distribute food and supplies.

In conclusion, tsunamis are natural disasters that can cause immense devastation. They are triggered by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. The impact of tsunamis includes widespread flooding, destruction of infrastructure, and loss of life. To prevent the devastating effects of tsunamis, early warning systems, well-constructed infrastructure, and education must be in place. With these preventive measures, we can better protect coastal communities and minimize the impact of this natural disaster.

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FAQs on Essay on Tsunami

What is a tsunami.

A tsunami is a giant sea wave caused by underwater disturbances, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides.

How are tsunamis formed?

Tsunamis are typically formed when underwater earthquakes displace a massive volume of water, creating powerful waves that travel across the ocean.

What is the speed of a tsunami wave in the open ocean?

Tsunamis can travel at remarkable speeds in the open ocean, often exceeding 500 miles per hour (800 kilometers per hour).

What is tsunami short essay?

A tsunami is a massive sea wave caused by underwater disturbances like earthquakes, capable of devastating coastal areas. Early warning systems are crucial for tsunami preparedness.

What is tsunami in 150 words?

A tsunami is a natural disaster characterized by colossal ocean waves triggered by events such as underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. These waves can travel at incredible speeds across entire ocean basins. In the open ocean, tsunamis are relatively low and have long wavelengths, making them challenging to detect. However, as they approach shallower coastal regions, their energy compresses, causing them to grow in height dramatically. Tsunamis can cause widespread devastation when they reach the coast, flooding low-lying areas, destroying infrastructure, and posing a severe threat to human lives. Early warning systems equipped with seismic sensors and ocean buoys play a crucial role in detecting potential tsunami triggers and issuing timely alerts to coastal communities. Preparedness, awareness, and swift evacuation are key factors in minimizing the impact of tsunamis and saving lives.

What is tsunami in 10 lines?

A tsunami is a powerful natural event with colossal ocean waves. It's often triggered by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. Tsunamis can travel at extraordinary speeds across the open ocean. In deep water, they may have long wavelengths and go unnoticed. As they approach shallower coastal regions, they grow in height. Tsunamis can cause widespread flooding, property damage, and loss of life. Early warning systems use seismic sensors and buoys to detect tsunamis. Alerts are issued to coastal communities, allowing time for evacuation. Preparedness and awareness are essential for tsunami safety. Swift action during a tsunami warning can save lives and reduce damage.

What is tsunami write brief?

A tsunami is a massive sea wave triggered by underwater events like earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. These waves can travel at high speeds across oceans and become dangerously large near coastlines. Tsunamis are known for their devastating impact, causing flooding, destruction of coastal infrastructure, and posing a significant threat to human lives. Early warning systems equipped with seismic sensors and ocean buoys help detect potential tsunamis and issue timely alerts to coastal communities. Preparedness and swift evacuation are critical for minimizing the impact of tsunamis and ensuring safety.

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Essay on Tsunami

Students are often asked to write an essay on Tsunami in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Tsunami

What is a tsunami.

A tsunami is a series of powerful waves caused by the displacement of a large volume of water. This usually happens due to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or underwater landslides.

How Does a Tsunami Form?

When the sea floor abruptly deforms, it displaces the overlying water, triggering a tsunami. The waves travel across the ocean at high speeds.

Effects of a Tsunami

Tsunamis can cause mass destruction when they hit land. They can flood cities, destroy buildings, and take lives. It’s important to have early warning systems to minimize damage.

Understanding tsunamis helps us prepare and mitigate their harmful effects.

250 Words Essay on Tsunami

Introduction.

Tsunamis, deriving from the Japanese words ‘tsu’ meaning harbor and ‘nami’ meaning wave, are a series of powerful water waves caused by the displacement of a large volume of a body of water. They are known for their destructive power and unpredictability, posing a significant threat to coastal communities.

Causes of Tsunamis

Tsunamis are typically triggered by seismic activities beneath the ocean floor. These include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. The energy released during these events displaces the overlying water column, generating waves that can travel across oceans at high speeds.

Characteristics and Impact

Unlike regular waves, tsunami waves involve the movement of the entire water column from the sea surface to the seabed. This attribute contributes to their long wavelengths and high energy, enabling them to travel vast distances. Upon reaching shallow waters, their speed decreases, causing the wave height to increase dramatically, often resulting in widespread destruction when they hit land.

Prevention and Mitigation

While tsunamis cannot be prevented, their impact can be mitigated through early warning systems, coastal zone management, and community preparedness. Technological advancements have made it possible to detect seismic activities and issue timely alerts, thereby saving lives.

Tsunamis, while a fascinating natural phenomenon, are a stark reminder of nature’s power. Understanding their causes and characteristics is crucial in developing effective mitigation strategies, thereby reducing their devastating impacts on human lives and the environment.

500 Words Essay on Tsunami

Tsunamis, often referred to as seismic sea waves, are a series of ocean waves caused by any large-scale disturbance of the sea surface. These disturbances can include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides or even meteorite impacts in the ocean. Tsunamis are not regular sea waves but energy waves, often caused by seismic activities beneath the ocean floor. Their impact on human lives and the environment can be devastating, emphasizing the importance of understanding and predicting these natural disasters.

The Mechanics of a Tsunami

Tsunamis are initiated by a sudden displacement of the sea floor due to geological activities like earthquakes. This displacement results in a vertical shift of the overlying water column, creating a series of waves that radiate outwards from the point of origin. The speed of a tsunami is determined by the depth of water, with deeper waters facilitating faster wave speeds.

In the open ocean, these waves may be just a few centimeters high, but their wavelength, or the distance between successive crests, can span hundreds of kilometers. As these waves approach coastal areas, the shallowing sea floor compresses the wave energy, causing the wave to increase dramatically in height.

Impact and Consequences

The destructive power of a tsunami comes from the massive amount of water that it can move and the consequent flooding. When a tsunami reaches the shore, it can cause immense damage to structures, erode beaches and embankments, destroy vegetation, and severely impact both terrestrial and marine life.

Unfortunately, tsunamis cannot be prevented as they are triggered by natural geological processes. However, their impact can be mitigated through early warning systems, community preparedness, and intelligent coastal management.

Tsunami early warning systems, comprising seismographs and sea level monitoring stations, can provide critical minutes to hours of warning. This allows people in the path of a tsunami to seek higher ground. Community preparedness involves education about tsunami risks, evacuation routes, and drills. Intelligent coastal management can include the construction of seawalls, planting of mangroves to absorb wave energy, and zoning laws to prevent construction in high-risk areas.

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Essay on Tsunami for Students in English | 500+ Words Essay

January 1, 2021 by Sandeep

Essay on Tsunami: A sudden, unexpected series of ocean waves of high risen wavelengths are called tsunami waves. They are strong currents of water waves that rush through inland spaces, flood nearby areas and last for a long time. They are seismic waves that trigger landslide undersea and force themselves through any obstacle on their way. Large volumes of water are displaced at great transoceanic distances at high speeds.

Essay on Tsunami 500 Words in English

Below we have provided Tsunami Essay in English, suitable for class 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

A tsunami is a series of fierce waves generated by the displacement of water. They occur in substantial water bodies due to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and underwater explosions. Tsunamis are also oftenly referred to as tidal waves. The waves are very high in magnitude as well as their length, and they can be immensely destructive.

Japan is the country which has recorded the most significant number of tsunamis. The tsunami generated in the Indian Ocean in the year 2004 is still considered as the most upsetting tsunami taking more than two hundred thousand lives. Tsunamis are quite rare in occurrence as compared to other natural disasters , but they are equally damaging.

Causes of Tsunami

The leading cause of a tsunami is attributable to an earthquake . However, even volcanic eruptions, landslides and comets or other heavenly bodies hitting the sea can be a source. When the tectonic plates of the earth positioned under the sea are disturbed, an earthquake takes place, causing the seawater to displace and erupt in sudden waves. These waves move further and further towards the shores. They can go unnoticed in the deep ocean but become more prominent as the water becomes shallow.

Landslides are another prominent cause of a tsunami. When heavy debris falls without warning with massive force into the sea, it causes a tremendous ripple effect. This ripple effect thus, causes tidal waves to form, which ultimately rise towards the land and cause massive destruction. During the eruption of a volcano on land, debris falls with a great thrust into the water body, causing the same ripple effect. Volcanoes can be underwater as well. They are known as submarine volcanoes. Tsunamis can further occur as a result of meteorological activity and human-made triggers.

Effects of Tsunami

When water washes away the shores with such colossal force, it damages the sewage system and freshwater. It also causes water fit for drinking to erode and contaminate. Because of the water being stagnant and polluted, numerous diseases like malaria affect a large number of people. They become ill, and infections spread quickly. A tsunami may even destroy nuclear plants which result in emittance of harmful radiations. These radiations are fatal to the health of every living organism. Mass evacuations become necessary in areas exposed to radiations because they can result in cancer, death and can even affect the DNA structures.

The saddest effect of a tsunami is the loss of lives in huge numbers. Tsunamis hit suddenly, with almost no warning and hence people get no time to escape it or run away. They drown, collapse, are electrocuted, etc. Tsunamis not only cause massive destruction of life but also degrade the environment in a gigantic way. It uproots trees and destroys pipelines which lead to the release of dioxides, raw sewage and other pollutants into the atmosphere. When these hazardous pollutants are washed into the sea, they also cause unbearable damage to the aquatic underwater life.

When the waves of a powerful tsunami smash the shores, they destroy trees, cars, buildings, telephone lines, pipelines and other man-made equipment into bits and pieces. Poverty rises in areas which get most affected by the wrath of tsunamis. The governments are also able to do little for their betterment immediately due to the high funding requirement and expenses.

Prevention of Tsunami

The government can invest in building strong and high protective infrastructure which can withstand the force of a tsunami. The length should be so tall, that the most upper wave of the tsunami cannot over top it. Also, heavy construction and livelihood activities in tsunami-prone areas can be avoided. The local authorities can install an efficient and fast early warning system. This would help to get all the people on alert. This way, more and more people would evacuate or leave the areas of danger, and human life destruction could be minimised.

Educating people and making them aware of the effects and impact of a tsunami is exceptionally crucial. They should be taught about the early warning signals of a tsunami and how to identify them. They should also learn how to be fully prepared in tough times like these instead of panicking and rapidly running around. Planting the coastal regions and boundaries with trees such as Mangroves which can absorb tidal wave energy can be another option. These can help to reduce the impact of a tsunami and curb the levels of destruction caused.

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Essay On Tsunami – 10 Lines, Short & Long Essay For Children

Key Points To Remember: Essay On Tsunami For Lower Primary Classes

10 lines on tsunami for kids, a paragraph on tsunami in english for children, short essay on tsunami for kids, long essay on tsunami for children, what will your child learn from this essay, interesting facts about tsunami for kids.

The word ‘Tsunami’ is of Japanese origin, which means harbour wave. A tsunami is the repetition of long-wavelength water waves triggered due to quakes and volcanic eruptions in ocean beds. If the earthquake fails to cause a tsunami inside the ocean, it will mostly cause a landslide. This tsunami essay for classes 1, 2 and 3 will help your child learn about new things. A tsunami essay in English will also improve ability to convert thoughts into words, positively impacting communication and vocabulary.

A topic like tsunami isn’t a very easy topic to write about. Children might need the assistance of parents or teachers to write about tsunamis. Here are a few key points to remember when writing a composition on tsunami for lower primary classes:

• Use videos or pictures while explaining tsunamis to kids. Visual aids help in better memorisation.
• Keep the content crisp and clear. A tsunami is a phenomenon that involves geographical terms. So, keep in mind to use simple language.
• Encourage your child to write their essay independently once the basics are covered.

What is a tsunami? How does it occur, and what is its impact? Get answers to these questions from the essay for class 1 and 2 kids on tsunamis. Mentioned below are a few lines on tsunami:

• Tsunamis are natural disasters that cause harm to the environment.
• It happens due to an earthquake underwater.
• These occur unexpectedly.
• Volcanic eruptions, plate shifting, the sinking of the earth, etc., are other reasons for tsunamis.
• The term tsunami means harbour waves.
• It has a series of waves with a high wavelength, capable of serious damage.
• The waves created in seas and oceans move towards the land and destroy buildings, homes, forests, etc.
• Landslides also lead to tsunamis.
• Most tsunamis often happen in the Pacific ocean.
• India experienced a similarly destructive Tsunami in 2004.

Do you want to read a short paragraph on tsunamis for children? Then, you are at the right place. Given below is a template for reference:

A tsunami is a series of waves of high wavelengths that cause water to move toward the land. It happens due to earthquakes whose main point is in the water/ocean. Greeks were the first to notice the effects of tsunamis. Sudden volcanic eruptions in the ocean beds, the sinking of the earth, etc., are the other major reasons for tsunamis. Like any other natural calamity, it causes widespread damage to human lives, buildings and trees. Underwater explosions can lead to tsunamis as well. The Pacific Ocean is known to be the hub of tsunamis. Ports and harbours get affected badly by tsunamis.

Looking for a simple-written short essay for classes 1,2 and 3 on tsunamis for kids to understand? Well, search no further. Given below is the template for the same:

A tsunami is defined as a series of waves of high wavelengths that cause water to move toward the land. It happens due to earthquakes whose main point is in the water. Greeks were the first to study the effects of tsunamis, and the only difference between earthquakes and tsunamis is that the latter happens in water. Tsunamis are called seismic waves. We should know that all seismic waves are tsunamis, but earthquakes are not the sole cause of all tsunamis. It also occurs due to sudden volcanic eruptions in the ocean beds, the sinking of the earth, etc. Like any other natural calamity, it causes widespread damage to human lives, public and private properties, and forests. Underwater explosions can lead to tsunamis as well. The Pacific Ocean is known to be the hub of tsunamis. During tsunamis, marine life is also get affected.

Natural calamities like tsunamis occur due to various reasons and cause damage to living and non-living. Here is an essay for class 3 kids on the causes, impacts and history of tsunamis.

History of Tsunami

According to legend, the Greek historian Thucydides suggested that there might be a connection between undersea earthquakes and tsunamis. But until the 20th century, knowledge of the causes and nature of tsunamis was limited. Ammianus, a Roman historian, characterised the sequence of events leading up to a tsunami as an earthquake, a quick retreat of the sea, and then a massive wave. The highest ever tsunami took place in a bay along the coasts of Alaska on July 9th, 1958.

What are the Causes and Effects of Tsunami?

Causes of Tsunami 

• Earthquakes and Landslides:  Shifts in tectonic plates cause earthquakes, and when the main point is in the water, a tsunami is triggered. Sometimes landslides induced by earthquakes lead to these tidal waves.
• Volcanic Eruptions in Sea Beds:  Volcanic eruptions in sea beds are another cause of these high wavelength waves.
• The Sinking of The Earth:  Changes in the earth’s crust or interiors often lead to the sinking of the earth, and this sudden shift can trigger a tsunami.
• Underwater Explosions:  Incidents like meteor collisions with the earth, or chunks of ice breaking off from glaciers lead to underwater explosions.

Effects of Tsunami

• Boats and Ships Sink:  The crashing of such high waves causes widespread damage to boats and ships off the coast.
• It Ruins Buildings, Trees and Houses:  Since the water moves towards the land and is of high velocity, it can destroy homes, uproot trees and displace vehicles.
• Causes:  As in the case of any natural calamity, a tsunami also takes a toll on people’s lives.

How Can Tsunami Be Prevented?

The effects of a tsunami can be reduced by avoiding inundation areas, slowing down water by building ditches, slopes, etc. and steering water to strategically placed walls or structures. An alert well ahead of time can also reduce the damage percentage.

How To Prepare for a Tsunami Disaster?

• To escape a tsunami, go 100 feet above sea level or 2 miles away.
• Often there are weather reports and cautionary warnings for a tsunami. Please take care to follow them.
• Every foot inland or upward is sure to make a difference!
• If you can see the wave, you are too close for safety!

Your child will learn about the causes, history and effects of natural disasters such as tsunamis. They will also understand essay writing and its ways better.

• The word tsunami means harbour wave in Japanese.
• The Pacific Ocean is the hub of tsunamis.
• The first wave of a tsunami is never the biggest.
• The series of waves generated by a tsunami is called a wave train.
• Often called tidal waves, tsunamis are not related to ocean tides.

What is the Difference Between Earthquake and Tsunami?

The major difference between an earthquake and a tsunami is that tsunamis are triggered by earthquakes whose main point is in the oceans or seas. And earthquakes happen on the land.

Topics like composition on tsunamis create awareness about natural calamities and the damage these can cause to humans. Teach your child about possible effects and help them learn new things.

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Essay on “World Tsunami Awareness Day”

“ Title: Riding the Wave of Knowledge: World Tsunami Awareness Day

Each November 5th , the world unites to honor World Tsunami Awareness Day . We reflect on Tsunamis, nature’s most powerful and unpredictable force. This day is more than a calendar marker; it reminds us of nature’s might and the need to collaborate to prepare.

What is a Tsunami?

Tsunamis are like ocean giants, but not the friendly kind you see in cartoons. They are massive waves triggered by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. These waves can travel across entire oceans and, when they reach the coast, they become towering walls of water, causing immense destruction.

November 5th: A Day of Remembrance

You might wonder, why November 5th? It’s not just a random date; it’s a day we remember as a significant event. Back in 1854, Japan experienced a massive Tsunami known as the Nanki Tsunami. This devastating wave caused a lot of damage and took many lives. This historical event is why the United Nations chose this date to raise awareness about Tsunamis.

Theme for 2023: “Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future”

This year, World Tsunami Awareness Day has a special theme: " Fighting Inequality for a Resilient Future ." But what does that mean? It means that we want to ensure that everyone, no matter where they live or their background, has access to knowledge and resources to stay safe from Tsunamis. It's about being fair and making sure everyone has an equal chance to be prepared.

Real-Life Impact

Tsunamis are not just something we read about in books. They have destroyed many parts of the world. Take, for example, the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004. It was one of the deadliest Tsunamis in history, affecting 14 countries and taking the lives of over 230,000 people. This tragic event emphasized the need for a global early warning system, leading to the establishment of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System.

Building Resilient Communities

So, what can we do about it? It's all about building resilient communities. Resilience means being able to bounce back from challenges and disasters. It involves creating plans, early warning systems, and knowing how to respond. For instance, Japan, a country frequently facing Tsunamis, has one of the most advanced Tsunami warning systems in the world. Their well-practiced evacuation plans have significantly reduced the impact of Tsunamis on their coastal communities.

The Role of Education

Education plays a vital role in raising awareness about Tsunamis. Many schools teach students about the science of Tsunamis, how to recognize warning signs, and what to do in case of a Tsunami. It's like having a superhero team to help us stay safe.

Conclusion for Essay

World Tsunami Awareness Day is not just another day on the calendar. It's a day of reflection and action. It reminds us of the incredible power of Tsunamis and the need to be prepared. So, let's come together, learn, and work towards building resilient communities that can face the unpredictable might of Tsunamis. As students, we have the power to make a difference by spreading the word and being ready.

World Tsunami Awareness Day serves as a beacon of awareness and preparedness in the face of nature's might. It's a global call to action, a moment of reflection, and a shared endeavor to build resilient communities. 

Whether you're looking to understand the concept or gearing up for school projects and competitions, remember that this essay is a reference you can turn to anytime, anywhere. As you ride the wave of knowledge, let's stand together in the face of this awe-inspiring natural force.

FAQs on World Tsunami Awareness Day: Essay for Students in English

1. How does a Tsunami affect human life?

Tsunamis can cause widespread loss of life, injury, and damage to property and infrastructure.

2. Where can I find an Essay on World Tsunami Day 2023?

You can find an essay on the “World Tsunami Awareness Day 2023” on Vedantu’s website.

3. Tsunami information in 150 words?

Tsunamis are giant waves that can be caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides underwater. They can travel very fast, up to 500 miles per hour, and can be over 100 feet tall. Tsunamis can cause widespread damage and loss of life, so it is important to be prepared if you live in an area that is at risk.

4. What date is Tsunami Day celebrated?

The 5th of November is celebrated as World Tsunami Day.

5. From which language was the word Tsunami taken info?

Tsunami is a Japanese word. Tsu means port or harbor, and nami, means wave. 

Tsunami Warning Systems Essay

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A tsunami is one of the critically dangerous natural disasters that might result in crucial devastations. On December 26, 2004, the areas of Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India, and the Maldives were hit by a tsunami produced by the earthquake 155 kilometers from Sumatra (Schmidt, 2005). The 30 feet high waves killed more than 150,000 people and preconditioned traumas among millions of other victims, making it one of the worst natural disasters of this sort in history (Schmidt, 2005). At the same time, it demonstrated the inability of existing warning systems to respond fast and effectively and protect people by evacuating them and providing an appropriate shelter. The problem was that the Indian Ocean area lacked sensor technologies to detect earthquakes that might signalize the appearance of a tsunami (Schmidt, 2005). The absence of needed tools critically deteriorated the effectiveness of the whole warning system.

Today, multiple attempts are performed to avoid the repetition of the scenario and improve the current methods of managing tsunamis. There is a specific Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS), which is considered a successful end-to-end warning system that helps to detect the first signs of the earthquake in the ocean and warn the appropriate authorities responsible for organizing the population and its transporting to safe areas. (Hettiarachchi, 2018). Adopting systems results in increased preparedness and awareness levels, while the severity of outcomes decreases (Hettiarachchi, 2018). In such a way, it is possible to conclude that the poor functioning of awareness systems in the past preconditioned the reconsideration of the approach to monitoring tsunamis and warning people about them. Today, frameworks such as IOTWMS can be viewed as sufficient and adequate enough to save lives.

Hettiarachchi, S. (2018). Establishing the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System for human and environmental security. Procedia Engineering, 212 , 1319-1346. doi:10.1016/j.proeng.2018.01.173

Schmidt, C. (2005). Natural disasters: Building a tsunami warning system. Environmental Health Perspectives, 113 (2), A90. doi:10.1289/ehp.113-a90

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Short Essay on Tsunami in English

Tsunami is a natural disaster like Earthquake, Flood or Draught. Tsunami is a Japanese word meaning ‘harbour wave’.High sea wave occurs when a large amount of water displaced due to earthquake or volcano happening under the sea. These waves are very strong and spread throughout the places close to the sea.

Tsunami is very harmful and it destroys everything. Firstly, due to big and strong waves, boats and ships in the ocean sink near the coastal area. Secondly, the waves spread to a large area and ruin everything like houses, buildings, cars, trees which get washed away in the waves.

Tsunami affects coastal places. It cannot be prevented but the losses can be decreased. Government should always make a big sea wall to stop the waves from crossing it.

Questions of Tsunami

What is tsunami short note.

Tsunami is a natural disaster like Earthquake, Flood or Draught. Tsunami is a Japanese word meaning ‘harbour wave’.High sea wave occurs when a large amount of water displaced due to earthquake or volcano happening under the sea.

What are the Effects of a Tsunami?

Firstly, due to big and strong waves, boats and ships in the ocean sink near the coastal area. Secondly, the waves spread to a large area and ruin everything like houses, buildings, cars, trees which get washed away in the waves. It is also associated with psychological problems for inhabitants of�the area.

Tsunami Preparedness what to do when a Tsunami came?

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Tsunami Essay | Essay on Tsunami for Students and Children in English

February 13, 2024 by sastry

Tsunami Essay: The term Tsunami comes from the Japanese language and means harbour wave. Tsunamis are seismic waves that are caused by earthquakes which travel through water. An earthquake that is too small to create a tsunami by itself may trigger an undersea landslide quite capable of generating a tsunami.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Long and Short Essays on Tsunami for Kids and Students in English

Given below are two essays in English for students and children about the topic of ‘Tsunami’ in both long and short form. The first essay is a long essay on Tsunami of 400-500 words. This long essay about Tsunami is suitable for students of class 7, 8, 9 and 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants. The second essay is a short essay on Tsunami of 150-200 words. These are suitable for students and children in class 6 and below.

Long Essay on Tsunami 500 Words in English

Below we have given a long essay on Tsunami of 500 words is helpful for classes 7, 8, 9 and 10 and Competitive Exam Aspirants. This long essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 7 to class 10, and also for competitive exam aspirants.

Tsunami can be generated when the sea floor abruptly deforms and vertically displaces the overlying water. Such large vertical movements of the earth’s crust can occur at plate boundaries. Although often referred to as ‘tidal waves’, a tsunami does not look like the popular impression of ‘a normal wave only much bigger’. Instead, it looks rather like an endlessly onrushing tide which forces its way around and through any obstacle. Most of the damage is caused by the huge mass of water behind the initial wave front, as the height of the sea keeps rising fast and floods powerfully into the coastal areas. The sheer weight of water is enough to pulverise objects in its path, often reducing buildings to their foundations and scouring exposed ground to the bedrock. Large objects such as ships and boulders can be carried several miles inland before, a Tsunami subsides.

It is said that the Greek historian Thucydides proposed that Tsunamis had some relation to submarine earthquakes. However, the understanding of Tsunami’s nature and causes remained weak until the 20th century. Roman historian, Ammianus described the order of events giving rise to a Tsunami: an earthquake, sudden retreat of the sea followed by a gigantic wave. Japan has the longest recorded history of Tsunamis. The 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake cum Tsunami is marked as one of the most devastating in modern times, taking the death toll to around 2,30,000 people. The Sumatran region also experiences earthquakes off the coast regularly.

Recently, it has been discovered that larger Tsunamis than previously believed possible could be caused by landslides, explosive volcanic actions and Earth-scouring impact events. These phenomena rapidly displace large volumes of water, as energy from falling debris or expansion is transferred to the water into which the debris fall. Tsunamis caused by these mechanisms, unlike the ocean-wide tsunamis caused by some earthquakes, generally dissipate quickly and rarely affect coastlines distant from the source due to the small area of the sea affected.

Tsunamis move the entire depth of the ocean (often several kilometres deep) rather than just the surface, so they contain immense energy, propagate at high speeds and can travel great trans-oceanic distances with little overall energy loss. A Tsunami can cause damage thousands of kilometres from its origin, so there may be several hours between its creation and its impact on a coast, arriving long after the seismic wave generated by the originating event arrives.

In open water, Tsunamis have extremely long periods from minutes to hours, and long wavelengths of up to several hundred kilometres. This is very different from typical wind-generated swells on the ocean, which might have a period of about 10 seconds and a wavelength of 150 metres.

A few signs may be triggered by nature to warn a huge tsunami wave. An earthquake may be felt. Large quantities of gas may bubble to the water surface and make the sea look as if it is boiling. The water in the waves may be unusually hot. The water may sometimes smell of rotten eggs due to the presence of hydrogen sulphide or of petrol or oil. The water may sting the skin.

A thunderous boom may be heard followed by a roaring noise as of a jet plane, a helicopter, or a whistling sound. The sea may recede to a considerable distance.

A flash of red light might be seen near the horizon and as the wave approaches, the top of the wave may glow red. These signals have been recorded from time to time over the ages before every Tsunami tragedy. Oceanographers, scientists, geologists and environmentalists are working on making some kind of systems which can if not prevent atleast signal the impending Tsunami.

The Lisbon quake is the first documented case of such a phenomenon in Europe back in 1 755 which had generated an almost 12 metre high sea wave and had destroyed most part of the city killing around 60000 people. This phenomenon was also seen in Sri Lanka in the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake. In 2011, the powerful 8.9 magnitude earthquake sent Japan into chaos as it triggered a giant tsunami in the Pacific Ocean, sweeping away boats, cars, homes and people, and led to the loss of more than 15000 lives in Japan.

In some particularly Tsunami-prone countries, measures have been taken to reduce the damage caused on the shores. Japan has implemented an extensive programme of building Tsunami walls of up to 4.5m (13.5 ft) high in front of populated coastal areas. Other localities have built floodgates and channels to redirect the water from incoming tsunamis. However, their effectiveness has been questioned, as Tsunamis are often higher than the barriers.

For instance, the Tsunami which hit the island of Hokkaido on 12 July, 1993 created waves as much as 30 m (100 ft) tall – as high as a 10-storey building. The port town of Aonae was completely surrounded by a Tsunami wall but the waves washed right over the wall and destroyed all the wood-framed structures in the area.

The wall may have succeeded in slowing down and moderating the height of the Tsunami but it did not prevent major destruction and loss of life.

Yet the effects of a Tsunami can be mitigated by natural factors such as tree cover on the shoreline. Some locations in the path of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami escaped almost unscathed as a result of the tsunami’s energy being sapped by a belt of trees such as coconut, palms and mangroves. In one striking example, the village of Naluvedapathy in India’s Tamil Nadu region suffered minimal damages and few deaths as the wave broke up on a forest of 80244 trees planted along the stretches of seacoasts that are prone to Tsunami risks.

While it would take some years for the trees to grow to a useful size, such plantations could offer a much cheaper and longer-lasting means of Tsunami mitigation than the costly and environmentally destructive method of erecting artificial barriers.

Short Essay on Tsunami 200 Words in English

Below we have given a short essay on Tsunami is for Classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. This short essay on the topic is suitable for students of class 6 and below.

Regions with a high risk of Tsunamis may use Tsunami warning systems now available to detect Tsunamis and warn the general populace before the waves reach the coasts. In some communities on the West coast of the United States, which is prone to Pacific Ocean Tsunamis, warning signs advise people where to run in the event of an incoming Tsunami. Computer models can roughly predict Tsunami arrival and impact based on information about the event that triggered it and the shape of the sea floor and the coastal landmass. One of the early warnings comes from nearby animals. Many animals sense danger and flee to higher ground before the water arrives. Monitoring their behaviour closely could provide advance warnings of earthquakes, Tsunamis etc.

In 2011, Earthquake Research Committee of Japanese Government announced that Tsunami forecasts would be started to alert the public in advance about the approaching Tsunamis in near future. This would comprise Tsunamic height, attack area and probability of occurrence within 100 years. Such forecasts should be soon activated in the Indian sub-continent also. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, UNESCO is working out strategies for this area.

Coastal areas of India are sitting on a ‘Tsunami-bomb’. Awareness and robust measures are the needs of the hour.

Tsunami Essay Word Meanings for Simple Understanding

• Seismic – pertaining to, of the nature of, or caused by an earthquake or vibration of the earth, Whether due to natural or artificial causes
• Pulverise – to demolish or crush completely
• Scouring – to clear or dig out (a channel, drain, etc) as by the force of water, by removing debris, etc
• Wavelength – the distance, measured in the direction of propagation of a wave, between two successive points in the wave that are characterised by the same phase of oscillation
• Recede – to go or move away, withdraw
• Oceanographer – the branch of physical geography dealing with the ocean
• Unscathed – not scathed, unharmed, uninjured
• Dissipate – to use up or waste, to disperse
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