30-07-2025
Tsunamis: Cause and everything else you need to know
Tsunamis are one of the most devastating natural disasters on Earth, often arriving without warning and causing widespread destruction. A tsunami is a series of powerful ocean waves usually triggered by undersea earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. These waves can travel at speeds of up to 800 km/h and grow in height as they approach coastlines, making tsunami awareness and early warning systems critical for saving lives. In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about tsunamis, their causes, effects, detection, and safety tips, while exploring why tsunami preparedness is more important than ever in today's changing a comprehensive guide that covers everything you need to know about tsunamis, from their origin to the latest technologies used for detection and IS A TSUNAMI?A tsunami is a series of ocean waves caused by large, sudden displacements of water, typically resulting from:Undersea earthquakesVolcanic eruptionsLandslidesOr, in rare cases, meteorite impactsUnlike ordinary waves formed by wind, tsunamis carry massive energy, often traversing entire ocean basins at jetliner AND TERMINOLOGYThe word tsunami is derived from Japanese: tsu (harbor) and nami (wave) a nod to the devastating effects these waves have had on Japanese coasts over they were also called 'tidal waves,' but that term is misleading since tsunamis have nothing to do with OF TSUNAMIS1. Subduction zone earthquakes (Most common cause)When tectonic plates collide and one plate slips beneath another (a process called subduction), immense energy is released. If the sea floor is displaced vertically, water is shoved upwards or downwards, creating waves that radiate outward.2. Volcanic activityUnderwater eruptions or collapsing volcanic islands can rapidly displace water.3. Landslides and glacial calvingLarge chunks of rock or ice plunging into the sea displace water instantly.4. MeteoritesRare but catastrophic, an asteroid impact in the ocean could generate massive tsunamis. Though unlikely, this is the basis of many global extinction theories.
Tsunamis: What causes them and everything else you need to know
HOW ARE TSUNAMIS DETECTED?Tsunami Early Warning Systems (TEWS) have been set up in vulnerable regions. Key components include:Seismic Monitoring: Detects undersea Buoys: Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis use pressure sensors to detect water column Gauges: Measure sea level rise at Monitor and relay real-time Alert Systems: Sirens, mobile alerts, and radio India, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) operates a state-of-the-art tsunami warning centre in FORECASTING AND MODELLINGOnce a potential tsunami is detected:1. Location and depth of the seismic event are analysed.2. Models simulate how waves will propagate.3. Coastal communities receive warnings and evacuation tsunamis cannot be predicted in advance. Scientists can only issue alerts after a triggering event has TO DO DURING A TSUNAMI?BeforeKnow your evacuation up for local an emergency to higher ground away from beaches and wait for official warnings if you feel a strong earthquake near the coast, natural warning signs include:EarthquakesUnusual sea withdrawalRoaring ocean soundAfterStay tuned to official debris-laden others if you can, and follow rescue team AFFECTED REGIONSTsunamis are most frequent around the Pacific Ocean's 'Ring of Fire,' a seismically active zone. However, other regions including the Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, and parts of the Atlantic are also HISTORIC TSUNAMIS2004 Indian Ocean – Over 230,000 lives lost2011 Japan (Tohoku) – Triggered a nuclear disaster at FukushimaARE TSUNAMIS GETTING MORE DANGEROUS?With climate change and rising sea levels, coastal vulnerabilities are increasing. While tsunamis themselves are not climate-driven, their impact is worsened by:Coastal urbanisationCoral reef destructionWetland loss- Ends
