answersLogoWhite

0

The 2004 and 2011 tsunamis were the result of something called megathrust earthquakes. Off the coasts of Sumatra and Japan, where the tsunamis originated, there are subduction zones, places where one tectonic plate pushes into and slides under another. For the 2004 tsunami it was the Indian Plate sliding under the Eurasian Plate. For the 2011 tsunami it was the Pacific Plate sliding under the Okhotsk Plate. As this happens the plates become snagged on one another and distort under the force of it, building up tension over the course of a few hundred years. Eventually the plates snap back into place, triggering a major earthquake. This results in part of one plate being thrust upward, displacing an enormous column of water and creating a tsunami.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Where in the world did tsunamis happen?

There was a large one in Sumatra and the Indian Ocean on December 26, 2004/ There was an earthquake that created a tsunami on the northeast coast of the island of Honshu in Japan, on March 11, 2011.


Where have tsunamis happened before?

Tsunamis happen on parts of the earth where there is more of a chance of earthquakes (fault lines) or other natural events (like landslides) which would cause the major wave to be created and fostered. More recently, famous tsunamis have been in Southeast Asia (Thailand area) in December 2004, and Japan (located on the Ring of Fire) in March 2011.


Can tsunamis happen in rivers?

No they can't. Tsunamis only happen in the ocean.


Can tsunamis happen in lakes or fresh water?

tsunamis occur when earthquakes happen. Poo


Do tsunamis only happen around islands?

No,the can happen near the United States too.but you are worse of on a island if tsunamis happen.


Are tsunamis rare?

Tsunamis are not considered rare events, but their occurrence can vary depending on the location. Regions along the Pacific Ring of Fire, where tectonic activity is high, are more prone to tsunamis. While small tsunamis are common, large and destructive tsunamis are less frequent.


Where did two tsunamis happen and what damage did they do?

Two significant tsunamis in recent history occurred in the Indian Ocean in 2004 and in Japan in 2011. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami resulted in over 230,000 fatalities across multiple countries. The 2011 Japan tsunami, triggered by a powerful earthquake, caused widespread destruction and over 15,000 deaths, in addition to the Fukushima nuclear disaster.


What place do tsunamis happen?

tsunamis happen in papa new guinea Canada new zeland and Asia


Do tsunamis only happen in the ocean?

No. Tsunamis have happened on lakes as well.


When was tsunamis?

26th December 2004


Where do tsunamis mostly happen at?

It mostly happen in the pacific ocean


Where do tsunamis mostly happen?

It mostly happen in the pacific ocean