Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary difference between a tsunami wave and a typical ocean wave?
What is the primary difference between a tsunami wave and a typical ocean wave?
- Typical ocean waves are caused by underwater earthquakes, whereas tsunamis are caused by wind.
- Tsunami waves are always larger and more visible in the open ocean.
- Tsunami waves involve a large volume of water extending deep into the ocean, not just the surface. (correct)
- Tsunami waves only occur in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, whereas typical waves occur worldwide.
Why can tsunamis be especially devastating to coastal areas?
Why can tsunamis be especially devastating to coastal areas?
- They only affect uninhabited coastal areas due to the effectiveness of warning systems.
- The waves continue to surge inland, causing continued flooding and damage over an extended period. (correct)
- They break and dissipate energy quickly upon reaching the shore, minimizing damage.
- The first wave is always the largest, giving people a false sense of security after it passes.
How do tsunami warning systems help to mitigate the impact of tsunamis?
How do tsunami warning systems help to mitigate the impact of tsunamis?
- By preventing underwater earthquakes from occurring.
- By providing early warnings that allow for timely evacuation of coastal regions. (correct)
- By controlling the speed and direction of the tsunami waves in the open ocean.
- By predicting the exact size and arrival time of the tsunami with absolute precision.
What was a key lesson learned from the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami?
What was a key lesson learned from the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami?
Which of the following factors does NOT typically contribute to the generation of a tsunami?
Which of the following factors does NOT typically contribute to the generation of a tsunami?
Why is it important to understand underwater terrain when predicting tsunamis?
Why is it important to understand underwater terrain when predicting tsunamis?
If a seismograph detects a large earthquake beneath the ocean, what is the most appropriate immediate action for coastal communities?
If a seismograph detects a large earthquake beneath the ocean, what is the most appropriate immediate action for coastal communities?
Why might subsequent waves of a tsunami be more dangerous than the first wave?
Why might subsequent waves of a tsunami be more dangerous than the first wave?
Flashcards
What is a tsunami?
What is a tsunami?
A series of large ocean waves caused by sudden, powerful disturbances.
Common causes of tsunamis?
Common causes of tsunamis?
Underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides.
How are tsunamis different?
How are tsunamis different?
They span entire ocean basins and extend deep into the ocean.
Impact differences of tsunamis?
Impact differences of tsunamis?
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Tsunami wave pattern?
Tsunami wave pattern?
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Tsunami detection methods?
Tsunami detection methods?
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Purpose of tsunami warnings?
Purpose of tsunami warnings?
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Devastating Tsunami?
Devastating Tsunami?
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Study Notes
- A tsunami is a series of large ocean waves caused by a sudden and powerful disturbance in or near a body of water.
- Underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides are typical causes of tsunamis.
Tsunami Creation
- The abrupt shift of the seafloor displaces a massive amount of water, creating waves that travel outward in all directions.
- Tsunamis differ from regular ocean waves because they can span entire ocean basins.
- Tsunami energy extends deep into the ocean, not just limited to the surface.
- Tsunami waves can grow in height and become devastating when they approach coastal areas.
Impact on Coastal Areas
- Tsunami waves can reach heights of over 100 feet (30 meters) upon hitting the shore.
- The force of tsunami waves can flood low-lying areas, leading to infrastructure destruction and displacement.
- Tsunami waves continue to push forward, causing prolonged damage, unlike typical waves that break and dissipate energy.
- The first tsunami wave is not always the largest; subsequent waves can be equally or more powerful.
Tsunami Warning Systems
- Tsunami warning systems use seismographic equipment and deep-ocean sensors to detect sudden shifts in the Earth's crust.
- These systems issue warnings after detecting a large underwater earthquake, allowing coastal regions time to evacuate.
- Predicting tsunamis with absolute precision can be challenging, especially in poorly understood geological areas.
Historical Events
- On December 26, 2004, an undersea earthquake (magnitude 9.1–9.3) off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, caused a devastating tsunami.
- The 2004 tsunami affected countries across the Indian Ocean, including Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, and the Maldives.
- The 2004 tsunami resulted in more than 230,000 deaths and displaced millions.
- The 2004 tsunami highlighted the importance of tsunami preparedness, early warning systems, and international cooperation.
Global Occurrence
- Tsunamis are more frequent in the Pacific and Indian Oceans due to tectonic plate boundaries.
- Tsunamis can occur in any large body of water, including the Atlantic Ocean.
- Tsunamis are less frequent in the Atlantic Ocean due to more stable tectonic plates.
- Volcanic eruptions or underwater landslides can cause tsunamis in the Atlantic.
- The global nature of tsunamis requires awareness and preparedness on a global scale.
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