When the Earth Shakes, and the Water Recedes from Shore--Run to the Hills!
"Tsunami" is the Japanese word composed of two characters "tsu" and "nami" that mean "harbor wave" that is used as a term to describe what scientists call a seismic sea wave. Seismic means an earthquake or earthmoving event. Tsunami are predominately caused by earthquakes that displace large areas of ocean floor and the water above these areas.
Tsunami Warning Sign, Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand, Southeast Asia, Asia
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Although these deadly masses of water crashing to shore are sometimes referred to as "tidal waves", they have no relation to tides (which are natural movements of the sea level due to the earth's rotation and the pull of lunar gravity).
Storm surge, with effects similar to that of a tsunami, is caused by a severe low-pressure area forming over an ocean area. This low-pressure area (commonly known as a Hurricane, Typhoon, or Cyclone) causes the surrounded water mass to rise up into the eye of the storm. Of course, for storm surge, folks are most concerned with the high winds. But if the storm hits during a period of already high tide, the storm surge can be many meters or feet higher than the protective sea walls and levees and dikes--which results in miles of flooding of any areas near sea level.
When at a Beach or When Near an Ocean (Sea Level) Be Aware of Warnings!
Along Coastal Areas of the United States, You'll See This Sign If You Are in a Danger Zone!
When visiting areas near the ocean--even if you believe you are more than 20 miles from the shoreline--if you are only a few feet above sea level, you should be aware of tall concrete buildings or higher ground where you could take shelter if a tsunami (or Hurricane/Typhoon/Cyclone) is approaching.
Case in point, in May 2008, Cyclone Nargis hit the coast of MyanMar (Burma). Because much of this country is near or at sea level, and partially because the extensive coastal Mangrove Swamps (aka "Mangals") had been cleared to create large, flat, sea-level areas for rice-paddies and farmlands (which are usually already saturated with water) and the accompanying human settlements, the storm surge almost 20-30 feet high flooded much of the delta and lowland areas of this country. An estimated 150,000 people died in this massive flooding.
Tsunami Following Eruption of Krakatoa
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Likewise, although there were fewer deaths involved (approximately 1830 people died)--in the U.S. folks are more able to quickly evacuate danger areas than in places like MyanMar or Bangladesh-- Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 in the Gulf of Mexico slammed into the U.S. State of Louisianna--the resulting storm surge peaked over the levees and dikes and flooded much of the state and surrounding areas.
Tsunami Links
- NOAA Center for Tsunami Research
- This is the U.S. Government's National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's website for the Center for Tsunami Research. Lots of in-depth information here. (Sorry about the pun.)
- FEMA Tsunami Page for Adults
- FEMA's site for Adults. Links to resources for emergency information and how to prepare for disasters such as tsunami.
- FEMA Tsunami Page for Kids
- FEMA's site for Kids. Information presented with kids in mind. Activities and resources for kids and teachers!
Catch a Wave of Reading!
The Orphan Tsunami of 1700: Japanese Clues to a Parent Earthquake in North America by Brian F. Atwater
The outside world scarcely knew of north-western N more...0 points
Overview Series - Catastrophe in Southern Asia: The Tsunami of 2004 (Overview Series) by Gail Stewart
The tsunami that tore through Southern Asia on Dec more...0 points
Disaster In The Indian Ocean: Tsunami 2004 (Monumental Milestones:) (Monumental Milestones: Great Events of Modern Times) by John Torres
The disaster in the Indian Ocean started with a ma more...0 points
Tsunami - The Aftermath
A tale of personal loss, survival and hope, this H more...0 points
Tsunami by Triumph Books
The most powerful earthquake in human history stru more...0 points
Tsunami Flooding Can Extend Far Inland - So Know Your Higher Ground!
Hawaii Press Conference on Tsunami Preparation HERE
Ocean Steamship Carried Inland in Sumatra by Tsunami from the Krakatoa Eruption, 1883
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Tsunami Infowear and Other Items
Seismic Sea Waves - Caused by Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics
Tsunami by the Bay ... eBay, That Is!
Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
Any Coastal Area Can Be At Risk For Tsunami - So Be Aware Of What These Dangerous Waves Can Do!
Thailand Tsunami 2004 (Carabao) - contains disturbing images
Tsunami at PP Island Thailand (Escape from the Deadly wave)
Tsunami Waves
Tsunami 26th December 2004 Penang, Malaysia
BBC Nature: Mega Tsunami - Alaskan Super Wave - Amazing Survival
Tsunami Greenland - Tsunami Groelândia 1995
Okushiri - Japan / Tsunami - 1993
Pacific Tsunami - 1946 & 1954
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- JaguarJulie JaguarJulie Jul 25, 2009 @ 3:05 pm
- OMG! You know we worry about tornadoes and hurricanes, but then a tsunami is something of a whole different order of mother nature's furies!
by EditorDave
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