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Why does a tsunami pass unnoticed under ships but can destroy everything when it reaches shore?
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
A tsunami makes a very shallow wave on the surface of the massive body of water as it propagates from the source. The vertical height of the propagated wave is very tall, as the body of water it travels through is very deep. It is a pressure wave caused by an underwater landslide at the epicenter. Underwater landslides can happen at any time; anywhere there is steep relief to shore. They are usually associated with an earthquake somewhere in the vicinity. As the wave travels through the body of water, it disperses or lengthens over distance in its direction of travel. This is why a tsunami does not devastate every shoreline perpendicular to the epicenter. As the wave reaches landfall, the ground gets shallower and the remainder of its height is exposed. Far enough away and it appears as slightly taller lapping waves for a short period. Close enough to the epicenter and the wave crests at considerable height; usually devastating since water weighs about eight pounds per gallon. Ten thousand gallons coming at you means eighty thousand pounds. Ten thousand gallons would be a narrow section of the broad wave making landfall. Thoroughly devastating. Extremely unfortunate.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
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Can a large ship in the ocean feel a tsunami?
Not in the deep open ocean. Out there a tsunami will pass unnoticed under boats.
What did the Boxing Day tsunami destroy?
It destroyed stuff
What can cause tsunamis so much damage when they reach the shore?
tsunami are at its most deadly when it reaches shore because it has collected enough water to destroy anything in its path tsunami's are ancient strong and wild and at its core its pretty much all about destruction it can kill people destroy homes, cars , and many other things the thing is though i never have experienced one. and i hope not to
How do you know that tsunami is gone?
the tsunami is gone when everything is dead and nothing is alive
Does a tsunami lose power?
no, a tsunami slows down when approaching the shore. But it gains height and actually stored its power until it reaches land.
Can a large ship in the ocean feel a tsunami?
Not in the deep open ocean. Out there a tsunami will pass unnoticed under boats.
What does a tsunami destroy?
Itdestroyslotsofthings
What things did the tsunami in japan destroy?
The tsunami destroyed many buildings and damaged nuclear reactors
Why is a tsunami smaller when it begins at than when it reaches the shoreline?
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How do tsunami's affect people?
They destroy homes and lives
What did the Boxing Day tsunami destroy?
It destroyed stuff
What can cause tsunamis so much damage when they reach the shore?
tsunami are at its most deadly when it reaches shore because it has collected enough water to destroy anything in its path tsunami's are ancient strong and wild and at its core its pretty much all about destruction it can kill people destroy homes, cars , and many other things the thing is though i never have experienced one. and i hope not to
Which European country did a tsunami almost destroy in 1755?
Portugal :)
Do boats survive tsunamis?
no boats do not survive tsunami a tsunami can ruin everything
How do you know that tsunami is gone?
the tsunami is gone when everything is dead and nothing is alive
What prove is there that a cruise ship can survive a tsunami?
When getting word of a tsunami, a cruise ship will head out to the deepest part of the ocean she can reach. In deep water, a tsunami may only be a couple of feet or even inches high. It is not until the tsunami reaches shallow water that the wave reaches any appreciable height. In fact, a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean may be the safest place to be during a tsunami.
Does a tsunami lose power?
no, a tsunami slows down when approaching the shore. But it gains height and actually stored its power until it reaches land.
