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The big wave, known as the tsunami, happens whenever there is a displacement of oceanic plates (faults) that occur deep in the ocean crust. When one oceanic plate over powers another oceanic plate, the displaced crust comes up, like how a mountain is formed, causing the ocean water to rise because that water has to go somewhere when it is pushed put of place. That causes the giant bulge in the ocean that forms as giant waves at the shore lines.

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How do tsunamis become giant waves?

Giant ocean waves may be the result of constructive interference of smaller waves.


What is the difference between seismograph and tsunami?

A seismograph is an instrument used to measure seismic waves in the earth's crust. In other words a seismograph detects earthquakes. A tsunami occurs when there is an earthquake at sea. The earthquake causes colossal tidal waves to form and the waves crash onto shore. This is a tsunami.


Do tsunami waves occur in the middle of the ocean?

Tsunami waves can occur in the middle of the ocean as a result of undersea earthquakes or landslides. These waves may not be as noticeable in open ocean areas due to their long wavelengths, but they can build up in height and strength as they approach coastal areas.


Do longitudinal waves travel the fastest?

No, longitudinal waves do not necessarily travel the fastest. The speed of a wave depends on the medium through which it is traveling. In some mediums, longitudinal waves may travel faster than other types of waves, while in others they may not.


What are the vibrations caused by the sudden movement of surface rocks?

The vibrations caused by the sudden movement of surface rocks are known as seismic waves, which are generated during events like earthquakes or landslides. These waves travel through the Earth and can be classified into two main types: primary (P) waves, which are compressional and travel fastest, and secondary (S) waves, which are shear waves that move more slowly. The energy released during these movements can cause ground shaking, which may lead to structural damage and other geological phenomena. Understanding these vibrations is crucial for assessing earthquake risks and improving building designs.

Related Questions

What is a giant ocean wave caused by an earthquake or a severe storm?

A Tsunami, or tidal wave, or seismic sea wave may be caused by an earthquake. It is incorrect to refer to giant ocean waves caused by severe storms as tsunamis. Severe storms may cause giant ocean waves referred to as "Rogue Waves" - which are distinct from and NOT the same as Tsunamis.


What is a giant ocean wave caused by an earthquake or a severe storm called?

A Tsunami, or tidal wave, or seismic sea wave may be caused by an earthquake. It is incorrect to refer to giant ocean waves caused by severe storms as tsunamis. Severe storms may cause giant ocean waves referred to as "Rogue Waves" - which are distinct from and NOT the same as Tsunamis.


How do tsunamis become giant waves?

Giant ocean waves may be the result of constructive interference of smaller waves.


Can we hear earthquakes why or why not?

No, earthquakes cannot be heard because the sound waves they produce are of very low frequency and do not travel efficiently through the air. People may sometimes hear noises during an earthquake caused by structures shaking or shifting, but these are not the actual sounds of the seismic waves.


Does the build up of s waves cause earthquakes?

Only certain kind of waves it may vary.


Are earthquakes caused by wind?

No, earthquakes cannot be caused by the wind at all. Earthquakes are caused by tectonic plate boundaries, where the moving plates generate pressure. The pressure is released as an earthquake. Occasionally earthquakes may be caused by volcanoes, but this is simply another effect of moving tectonic plates. So the wind has no influence whatsoever on earthquakes or seismic activity.


What is the difference between seismograph and tsunami?

A seismograph is an instrument used to measure seismic waves in the earth's crust. In other words a seismograph detects earthquakes. A tsunami occurs when there is an earthquake at sea. The earthquake causes colossal tidal waves to form and the waves crash onto shore. This is a tsunami.


Can earthquakes kill people?

Yes, earthquakes caused damage in the place where it happened. Many people may be killed for it.


What are some effects of landslides?

earthquakes may occur because of landslides and tidal waves may also be effects.


Why did Minoan kingdom fall?

There are several theories, such as that the Minoans on what is currentely Crete, perished by famine, while other scientists spectulate that a volcano on the island of Thera (north of Crete) erupted and caused such massive tidal waves and amounts of falling ash that the knigdom drowned and suffocated. (May have created the legend of the underwter city Atlantis)Other scientists still beleive that an invasion after the eruption on the Island of Thera destroyed the Minoan Civilization.


What Weather causes an Earthquake?

Weather does not cause earthquakes. Earthquakes are caused by the movement of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. Changes in weather, such as heavy rainfall or snowmelt, can potentially trigger landslides or affect the stability of soil, which may indirectly influence the likelihood of avalanches or mudslides, but not earthquakes.


Can tsunamis be caused by earthquakes in the ocean floor?

Tsunamis are usually triggered by earthquakes that occur at subduction zones. A subduction zone is where one tectonic plate slide under another.Tsunamis are also caused by landslides along the coastline, which may be triggered by earthquakes, and on rare occasion by meteors crashing into the oceans if they're of significant size.