What is a Tsunami?

Understanding Tsunamis: The 'Harbour Wave'

A Tsunami is a powerful natural phenomenon, originating from the Japanese term 'harbour wave'. These colossal ocean waves are also colloquially referred to as 'killer waves' due to their devastating impact on coastal regions.

Nature of a Tsunami: A Series of Waves

Contrary to popular belief, a Tsunami is not a single, isolated wave. Instead, it comprises a series of ocean waves, often described as a 'wave train'. These waves propagate across the ocean, carrying immense energy.

Primary Causes of Tsunamis

The generation of a Tsunami requires a significant displacement of a large volume of water, typically in the ocean. This displacement is most commonly triggered by various underwater geological events.

• Underwater Earthquakes: Approximately 80% of tsunamis are caused by powerful subduction zone earthquakes, where one tectonic plate slides beneath another.
• Volcanic Eruptions: Although less frequent, large-scale underwater volcanic eruptions or the collapse of volcanic islands can generate tsunamis.
• Landslides: Massive underwater landslides or coastal landslides plunging into the sea can also displace enough water to form a tsunami.
• Meteorite Impacts: Extremely rare but potentially catastrophic meteorite impacts into the ocean could generate mega-tsunamis.
• Rapid Atmospheric Pressure Changes: While less common for major tsunamis, sudden and significant atmospheric pressure changes can sometimes induce smaller, localized tsunami-like waves (meteotsunamis).

Geographic Hotspots: The Pacific Ring of Fire

A vast majority of tsunamis, around 80%, occur within the geologically active region known as the Pacific Ocean's 'Ring of Fire'. This area is characterized by frequent tectonic shifts, leading to a high incidence of both volcanoes and earthquakes.

Characteristics of Tsunami Waves

Tsunami waves possess unique characteristics that distinguish them from regular ocean waves and contribute to their destructive power.

• High Speed: Tsunamis can travel at incredible speeds across the open ocean, reaching up to 800 kilometres an hour. At this pace, they can traverse the entire Pacific Ocean in less than a day.
• Long Wavelengths: They have extremely long wavelengths, often hundreds of kilometers, making them almost imperceptible in the open sea.
• Minimal Energy Loss: Due to their long wavelengths and the depth of the ocean, tsunamis lose very little energy as they travel across vast oceanic expanses. This allows them to maintain their destructive potential over long distances.

World Tsunami Awareness Day

Recognizing the global threat posed by tsunamis, the UN General Assembly, in December 2015, officially designated November 5th as World Tsunami Awareness Day. This day aims to promote awareness and share innovative approaches to risk reduction.