In Tsunamis
How far inland can a tsunami go?
There are various factors that determine how far inland a tsunami
can go. Here is a list of factors involved: The terrain of the land
and the height of the tsunami wave. If the land is mountainous the
tsunami would probably not go very far; however, if it is lowland,
it may wash inland for several kilometers.
Another important factor in a tsunami is the volume of water displaced. It is not the height of a tsunami that gives it momentum over land, but the length.
The angle at which the tsunami reaches land and the geographical shape of the coastline: A concave coastline will suffer more damage than a convex coastline that can deflect the water movement.
Land forms slow them down considerably. The distance travelled inland is directly related to the change in elevation.
Note, an earthquake's impact, in the form of tsunamis, can also travel halfway around the world in the ocean. For instance, the earthquake off the shore of Japan in 2011 created tsunamis reaching the United State's pacific coast line.
The 2011 Tsunami in Japan Most scientists reported that the 33-foot tsunami wave made it 6 miles inland, with washed up shrapnel and water reaching 10 miles or more inland.
Another important factor in a tsunami is the volume of water displaced. It is not the height of a tsunami that gives it momentum over land, but the length.
The angle at which the tsunami reaches land and the geographical shape of the coastline: A concave coastline will suffer more damage than a convex coastline that can deflect the water movement.
Land forms slow them down considerably. The distance travelled inland is directly related to the change in elevation.
Note, an earthquake's impact, in the form of tsunamis, can also travel halfway around the world in the ocean. For instance, the earthquake off the shore of Japan in 2011 created tsunamis reaching the United State's pacific coast line.
The 2011 Tsunami in Japan Most scientists reported that the 33-foot tsunami wave made it 6 miles inland, with washed up shrapnel and water reaching 10 miles or more inland.
Was this answer useful?
Follow
What was the name of your first band, if it wasn't TOPS?
View Full Interview
Answered
In Tsunamis
How fast does a Tsunami go?
A tsunami goes 500 miles per hour when in open ocean, but slows to a speed of 30-60 mph as it nears the shore.
Answered
How far inland can a 1500 meter wave travel?
It depends on the type of wave (seismic, asteroid, landslide) and how fast it is traveling into the shoreline. It also depends on any reefs or other impedence out in the ocean… blocking the waves from reaching the shore.Having said that, if a 1500 foot tsunami wave approaches the East Coast unimpeded, it could potentially reach Western NY, or maybe even Ohio, or possibly further inland, definitely wiping out the entire Eastern seaboard, including NYC, Boston, Philly, and all other cites in its path. (MORE)
Answered
In Earthquakes
How far inland did japan's 2011 tsunami go?
The 2011 Tsunami in Japan Most scientists reported that the 33ft (10m) Tsunami wave, triggered by a massive earthquake on March 11 measuring magnitude 9.0 on the Richter scale…, made it 6 miles (10 kilometers) inland with washed up debris and water reaching distances of 10 miles or more inland. This city of Sendai was 80 miles (128 km) from epicenter of Earthquake. (MORE)
In Weather
What to do during a Tsunami Watch
Any coast can be affected by a tsunami. The natural disaster can hit at any time of the day, year-round. Thankfully, there are systems in place to help predict tsunami activit…y and warn people in tsunami hazard zones. In the U.S., the tsunami watch is issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and the West Coat/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center. A tsunami watch is an official status that is declared locally after a distant earthquake has occurred. During this time, scientists gather data to determine if a tsunami is approaching. They monitor buoys that collect data and use what they know about tsunamis and earthquakes to model the possibility of when the waves will hit. The watch may be upgraded at any time to a warning or an evacuation.Those best prepared living in coastal areas and in tsunami hazard zones should already be aware of news of earthquakes and the possibility of a tsunami hitting at any time of day, year-round. Once a tsunami watch is announced, turn on the radio (a Coast Guard emergency frequency station or NOAA Weather Radio), watch the local news, or go online for details. If you have a smart phone, download one of the tsunami watch applications for updates, such as Tsunami Alert, Tsunami Early Warning, and Tsunami Watch. Following Twitter (@tsunamiwatch and @EGTW) updates can also provide the latest news and information. At this time, a strict monitoring of the news is not necessary, but it is a good idea to have quick access to updated information. Being connected in this way will inform you if schools, businesses, or public buildings are closed. Officials and experts will make recommendations about how to prepare for the tsunami and may provide historical context for the natural disaster in your area.During a tsunami watch, people in coastal areas and in the tsunami hazard zone should not evacuate, but they should think about preparations to leave by gathering their emergency kits. Tsunami emergency kits are like other kits except they should be ready to grab and go at a moment's notice. Include the essentials for living healthy away from your home for a week. Water, food, clothes, medicine, and toiletries are some of the most important basics. Important documents you can't lose should be kept in a central place easy to access and grab in a hurry. If you don't already have a kit assembled, fill water jugs and pack as much of the basics as you can into your car. Don't forget about packing food and water for pets and preparing their carriers. Even if the watch is cancelled, a tsunami watch is a good time to make sure an emergency kit is ready for the next time. Besides the kit, people who could be affected should make sure they have gas in their cars and make sure everyone in the family remains at home. If members are away, make sure they have a plan to evacuate if necessary and meet up later. There is not much to be done to prepare your house for a tsunami. If possible, remove loose objects like large flower pots or lawn furniture. During a tsunami, these objects are part of what makes the natural disaster so deadly because they can crash into people who weren't able to evacuate.Again, during a tsunami watch, scientists are still determining if a tsunami could hit. The status could change to a warning or a cancellation. Whether your evacuation plan comes into play or not, it is a good idea to review pre-developed routes or choose one during the warning. You just need to know where you'll drive and where you'll stay if your house is damaged. Experts and officials may make evacuation route suggestions on the radio. If you don't already have a complete plan, make it a priority to determine where you'll drive, as you won't necessarily need a place to stay. Some people simply make plans to stay with relatives or friends who don't live in the hazard zone. During a tsunami evacuation, people in coastal areas in the tsunami hazard zone should seek high ground, the higher the better. They should go inland, ideally two miles. A household's tsunami evacuation plan should be practiced several times throughout the year.There is no need to evacuate during a tsunami watch. The watch could be upgraded to a tsunami warning, or it could be cancelled completely. Only evacuate if an official order is given. Keep listening to the radio and follow directions released by local and state governments. In the meantime, there is no harm in gathering up emergency kits and making sure that gas tanks are full. A tsunami watch is a good time to practice emergency preparedness plans.People who live in coastal areas and in tsunami hazard zones can't afford to ignore the safety warnings during a tsunami watch. Some look at it as the perfect time to go to the beach to watch the waves or even go surfing. The ocean may seem serene before a tsunami and the weather may not be bad. However, always err on the side of safety and stay at home during a tsunami watch. Scientists and the agencies they represent will be working with local and state officials to make announcements in as many places as possible.Even in cases where evacuation orders are given, a tsunami may not affect local shores at all. The science of predicting tsunami activity is imperfect. Warning systems and protocols are in place to help during an emergency, as well as to prepare the population for the next time. Always heed the warnings and gather information. While the people who are most at risk live less than 25 feet above sea level and within one mile of the shore, assume that a tsunami could affect any tsunami hazard zone at any time. According to the National Geographic, tsunami hits in a series of waves, so it is best to avoid any affected areas even after it has passed until the authorities allow it.The number of people killed because of tsunamis is 229,551, while the economic damage is estimated to be $10,046,000,000. Tsunamis can be devastating. Misinformation about the natural disaster is rampant. Being prepared and understanding what a tsunami watch is can help save lives.There is one case where the tsunami watch period would be skipped and people in coastal tsunami hazard zones should evacuate. If there is a local earthquake, after the shaking stops, evacuate the tsunami hazard zone immediately. People in harm's way should leave their homes and not wait for an official order to evacuate. Some earthquakes near coasts can generate local tsunamis that can arrive within minutes. If officials are aware of the danger, they will warn people to evacuate, but sometimes there is not enough time for a warning. (MORE)
The Standard Definition of a Tsunami
The word tsunami comes from two Japanese characters. "Tsu" means harbor, and "nami" means wave. Though many people call tsunamis tidal waves, they have little to do with tide.… Events like earthquakes, volcanoes and undersea landslides generate tsunamis. Understanding the definition of a tsunami helps people detect and prepare for them.When tectonic earthquakes occur beneath the sea, the sea floor deforms, and the deformity displaces the water above it. The displaced water mass attempting to regain equilibrium forms waves. Submarine landslides and volcanic eruptions also impact the sea floor, causing water disruption. Meteorites and other cosmic debris impacting the ocean also cause tsunamis.Wind-driven waves are shallow, occurring rhythmically on the surface of the ocean with only a few seconds between them. Tsunamis are deep waves that on the open ocean are often more than 100 kilometers long and an hour apart from each other. In the deep ocean, a tsunami appears shallow on the surface, so that a ship above is not aware of its passing. Unlike wind-driven waves, though, a tsunami travels at high speed with minimum energy loss.When a tsunami approaches a coast and gets into shallow water, it slows down and grows in height. Though barely visible at sea, it approaches land with tremendous energy and grows up to 30 meters high. Just before the first wave hits, the water near shore often recedes, exposing the floor of the ocean. Tsunamis appear as a series of breaking waves or a bore that charges straight in with tremendous force, much faster than a person runs. Tsunamis strip beaches of sand, undermine trees, crush buildings, demolish roads, flood vast areas, and injure and kill people.International tsunami early warning centers issue warnings on potentially destructive tsunamis. These centers monitor seismic activity for earthquakes strong enough to generate tsunamis. To be effective, they must respond quickly, accurately and reliably. These centers send advisories detailing when and where an earthquake occurs and the chances of a subsequent tsunami. They suggest specific courses of action, such as clearing beaches or evacuating people inland or to higher ground.If you are in an area where tsunamis occur, be aware of safety procedures. After a strong earthquake, move away from low-lying coastal areas. Take tsunami warnings seriously. Cooperate with authorities, and obey their instructions. If the sea level drops or water retreats and exposes the ocean floor, do not stay and watch, but leave the area quickly.Earthquakes and other major geological events generate tsunamis. These waves move quickly and gather speed and size as they approach land. They have catastrophic potential. Understand the definition of a tsunami and how to deal with one if you live in an area of risk.If a destructive tsunami occurs, an affected area does not receive an all-clear for days. First, emergency search and rescue crews scour the land and sea for survivors. Repair teams clear roads and restore damaged utility systems. Scientists must discount the possibility of aftershocks generating further tsunamis. Stay out of danger areas until authorities issue an all-clear. (MORE)
In Weather
Six Ways to Prepare for a Tsunami
If you live in a coastal area, you may one day be affected by a tsunami. A tsunami is a series of waves, usually set off by an earthquake near or distant. The waves vary in he…ight and length, can quickly inundate the land and cause mass destruction. It is essential that people living in coastal areas understand their risks and develop an emergency plan.The natural disaster can hit at any time, day or night, year round. While there is no way to prevent a tsunami from coming to shore, there are ways to minimize loss of human life. Follow these tsunami preparedness tips.Generally, anyone living or working near the coast should assume that a tsunami could affect the area one day, but it helps to read about documented tsunamis and the damage they caused in your area in the past. Historically affected coastal areas often have tsunami inundation maps. Your local phone book will most likely have these maps somewhere in the front matter. The maps will also indicate areas considered safe as well as possible shelters.Signs may be posted indicating that your neighborhood is in a "tsunami hazard zone." Other signs may point toward tsunami evacuation routes. Knowing the history of the natural disaster in your area can help you develop a plan for tsunami preparedness.If you live in a tsunami hazard zone, learn to follow the news regularly so that you can be alerted to possible tsunamis as soon as possible. If your neighborhood is equipped with tsunami sirens, learn what the sirens mean. Usually, the sirens are warnings, and you should seek details on the radio, on the television, or online. The siren will not sound if there is only a tsunami watch, but that status will be announced on the radio, and can be upgraded to a warning. The science is not perfect, but researchers gather data and do modeling to determine where and when a tsunami may hit. Gather all the information you can during a tsunami watch. Prepare to evacuate.A well stocked emergency kit can mean the difference between life and death for any emergency or disaster. Unlike a general kit, the tsunami preparedness kit needs to be gathered up very quickly since the waves can hit within minutes of an earthquake.Consider keeping the supplies in your vehicle in a box or container. Keep the supplies in a container that is stored somewhere easy to access. Like other emergency kits, include the essentials for living healthy away from your home for a week. Water, food, clothes, medicine, and toiletries are some of the most important basics. Important documents you cannot lose should be kept in a central place easy to access and grab in a hurry.During a tsunami or tsunami evacuation, you must seek high ground. Go two miles inland, at least. In a rush, high ground is more important than getting to a shelter. To be prepared, develop an evacuation route as well as an alternate route.Sometimes, this means going to a family member's home out of the hazard zone. Make arrangements ahead of time, before the tsunami watch is even announced. Practice the route from time to time.If you are at risk, your pets are at risk whether they are inside or outside a building. During an evacuation, be prepared to take your pets. Store carriers or leashes and collars in a place that is easy to access. Make sure your pets have identification. Since there is a chance you cannot collect your pets safely before having to leave, consider microchipping your pets. Include your pets' food, water, and medications in your tsunami preparedness kit.Misinformation about tsunamis is rampant, so educate your family, friends, and neighbors about the nature of tsunamis and the damage they can cause. Not all earthquakes create tsunamis. Not all tsunamis cause mass destruction. If no damage comes after one tsunami warning, it does not mean the next time will be the same. One sign of a tsunami, besides earthquakes, is a receding shore line. Those people who are uneducated about the nature of tsunamis may try to explore the ocean floor, but people have been killed that way.Learn what a tsunami is and what it is not and pass it on. Some think that a tsunami is a simply a big wave. There are people who think a tsunami watch is a great time to head to the beach to look at the waves and even get into the water. Unfortunately, people defy the sirens, news reports, and evacuation orders often.A tsunami can be devastating, but education and preparedness can save lives. It is worth it to develop a plan and build an emergency kit before the emergency happens.Look to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and American Red Cross for more information on preparing for a tsunami. (MORE)
The Deaths of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami
A tsunami is a geologic hazard that occurs when an earthquake happens underwater. The resulting seismic activity disrupts the water level, creating a gigantic wave that destro…ys everything in its path. Geologists know that tsunamis happen all over the world, and some of them are deadly. The tsunami deaths associated with the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami make it the deadliest event of them all.The word "tsunami" is actually a Japanese word that means "harbor wave." Although the islands of Japan experience their fair share of tsunamis, all of southeastern Asia is no stranger to these devastating waves. Seismic activity is plentiful in the area around the Indian Ocean due to the movement of the large tectonic plates of the earth's crust. The large Indian Plate is being subducted underneath the continental Burma Plate. This area creates the right conditions for large and deadly earthquakes to occur, which are known as megathrust earthquakes.On Dec. 25, 2004, off of the coast of northern Sumatra, a catastrophic event took place beneath the earth's surface. At a rate rate, the subduction zone ruptured about 250 miles long and 60 miles wide. This is the largest rupture ever known due to an earthquake. It is no surprise that the power of the quake ranged from 9.1 to 9.3, making it the third strongest earthquake on the geological record. This massive earthquake produced an equally massive tsunami.As the earthquake suddenly moved the seabed, a massive amount of water became displaced in the Indian Ocean. This movement created the tsunami that started spreading out from the epicenter of the earthquake at speeds between 300 to 600 mph in deep water. When moving over deep water, the tsunami only looked like a small hump and was barely noticeable. As the wave approached shallow water, its height grew. The tsunami was around 34 feet tall when it hit Indonesia, and the Aceh region experienced waves of 80 feet.By far, the greatest death toll occurred in Indonesia, and most of these occurred in the Aceh region. This area lies off of the northern coast of Sumatra and was, therefore, one of the first areas to be hit. It also seemed to bear the brunt of the destruction from the tsunami as the massive waves obliterated entire villages, towns, and even the capital of Banda Aceh. Officially, over 130,000 people died in Indonesia alone, but government officials admit that the true death toll is likely much higher.The tsunami traveled across the Indian Ocean to pummel the island nation of Sri Lanka. That country reported over 35,000 deaths, the second highest after Indonesia. India lost over 12,000 people to the tsunami. Thailand lost over 5,000 people, and even countries all the way across the ocean, such as Somalia, experienced a loss of life as a result of the tsunami.Overall, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami killed over 230,000 people. The true figures will never be known, since in the aftermath of the tsunami, many people were dumped into mass graves without any identification, especially in the Aceh province of Indonesia. These grim numbers make this the deadliest tsunami in recorded history. This event was also the sixth deadliest earthquake of all time.Many anthropologists feared that the tsunami would cause many deaths among the aboriginal Onge tribe of the Andaman Islands and possibly wipe the tribe out completely. Yet, due to oral traditions that warned of giant waves following earthquakes, the tribe moved inland before the tsunami hit. Not a single tribal member died as a result of the tsunami. (MORE)
All About Tsunamis, a Geologic Hazard from the Ocean
Rushing inshore with irresistible force, pouring over the landscape in horrifying torrents of muddy, foaming water, tsunamis are one of the more menacing geologic hazards that… people need to face from time to time. (MORE)
In Geology
Interesting Tsunami Information
Tsunamis gained public attention following the devastating tsunami in the Indian Ocean in 2004. The general public wanted more tsunami information. Geology tells us that these… natural disasters that strike coastal locations in the Pacific Ocean Basin are usually the result of earthquakes. In coastal areas their height can be as great as 30 feet or even, in extreme cases, over 100 feet. Any low-lying coastal area can be struck by tsunamis. Tsunamis move much faster than a person can run. They can occur at any time, day or night.Tsunami information starts with the origin of the word. The word tsunami is a Japanese word with the English translation: "harbor wave." Tsunamis have been referred to as "tidal waves" or "seismic sea waves." The term "tidal wave" is misleading, because tsunamis are unrelated to the tides. They are a series of ocean waves with very long wavelengths, even typically hundreds of miles. Geology has determined that they are caused by large-scale disturbances of the ocean. According to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, these disturbances can be earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, or even meteorites.As the tsunami leaves the deep water of the open ocean and travels into the shallower water near the coast, it changes. Because of the physics of the tsunami, as it reaches land its speed diminishes and its height grows. This is called shoaling. Because of this shoaling effect, a tsunami may be unnoticeable at sea and ships may remain safe as it passes. However, it may grow to be several feet or more in height as it gets near the coast.Tsunami information can be vitally important. Knowing what to do in a tsunami could save your life. If you are at the beach or near the ocean and feel what you believe is an earthquake or tremor, move immediately to higher ground. Don't wait for a warning to be announced. Stay away from rivers and streams that lead to the ocean because tsunamis can travel up these waterways. National Geography News states that geologists have provided tsunami information that tells us these occurrences are made up of troughs and crests. If the trough reaches land first, the water will pull back from the land, giving people on the beach anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour to get to higher ground.According to the U.S. National Weather Service, tsunami wave activity is imperceptible in the open ocean. If you are at sea, do not return to port. Tsunamis cause changes in water level that lead to unpredictable and dangerous currents in harbors and ports. If there is time, move your boat or ship from port to deep water. Rough seas outside of the harbor could be a greater hazard to small boats, so you might be better off if you leave the boat and go to higher ground. If you stay on your boat, contact the harbor authority before returning to port, making sure to verify that conditions in the harbor are safe for navigation and berthing.We know from geology that the continents and sea floor that cover the earth's surface are part of a worldwide system of plates that are in motion. These motions are extremely slow, only an inch or two in a year. Earthquakes occur where the edges of plates run into one another. These edges are called fault lines or faults. When a powerful earthquake is produced underneath or near the ocean, a tsunami can be generated. Having tsunami information may be a lifesaver. If you are at the beach when a tsunami warning is announced, move quickly to higher ground. If you are on a boat or ship when a warning is announced, sail to deeper water.According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake that generated the great Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 is estimated to have released the energy of 23,000 Hiroshima-type atomic bombs. Tsunamis are a serious threat to the life and property of anyone living near the ocean. In 1992 and 1993, over 2,000 people were killed by tsunamis occurring in Nicaragua, Indonesia, and Japan. The property damage was nearly $1 billion. The 1960 Chile earthquake generated a Pacific-wide tsunami that caused widespread death and destruction in Chile, Hawaii, Japan, and other areas in the Pacific. Over 150,000 people were dead or missing and millions more were homeless in 11 countries by the time the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was over. It is very likely the most destructive tsunami in history. (MORE)
Answered
In Tsunamis
How do you know a tsunami is going to hit?
The most noticeable indication that a Tsunami is approaching is the coastal area - as the wave approaches, water near the beaches recedes several hundred yards. It's one reaso…n many people are killed - fascinated by the exposed area of the beach that was once underwater, they rush to check it out and pick up sea items, unknowingly running to an area which is likely to result in serious injury or death. Tsunami-prone areas also have their own alert systems - e.g., all of Japan's coastal cities have Tsunami warning alerts and evacuation procedures. (MORE)
Answered
How fast can a tsunami go?
actualy they go about 300-400 miles per hour. yeah pretty fast! ^ I know that the waves from the tsunami in Japan, were travelling across the ocean at speeds of 8000km. in de…ep open sea, they can go 500 mph or more (MORE)
Answered
In Tsunamis
How far inland did the tsunami of 2004 travel?
The Asian Tsunami The Asian tsunami travelled at approximately 2,000 metres (6,500 ft) inland.
