Unbeknown to many, tsunamis have warning signs, just like earthquakes, tornados, and hurricanes. Being aware of the warnings could make the difference in your getting to safety in time or being stuck in the midst.
What really is a tsunami?? A tsunami is a series of waves caused by sudden movement of the ocean floor. This sudden movement includes earthquakes and volcanoes. Although rare, giant meteors in the ocean have also been reported as a cause of tsunamis.
Much has been learned over time concerning tsunamis, being the case that their have been many including the 1782 South China Sea that took 40,000 lives to the 2004 tsunami in the Indian Ocean killing 283,000 people. Here are some interesting facts:
-The Pacific is the most active tsunami zone.
-Hawaii is the US State with the greatest risk of a tsunami.
-Tsunamis are common in Japan.
-Tsunamis have also been seen in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, and Atlantic Ocean.
-Waves can be as long as 60 miles.
-Tsunamis can be as fast as commercial jets.
-Tsunamis can travel across an ocean in less than a day.
-There is also such a thing called an megatsunami (or iminami), meaning the waves are from 40-100 meters.
-The last major tsunami in the Indian Ocean dates back to 1945.
-It is a common myth that tsunamis are a single giant wave. They are multiple waves known as a wave train.
One of the major warnings to look out for are strong earthquakes that have lasted 20 seconds or more. An example of a strong earthquake would be the one that caused the 2004 tsunami that measured at 9.0 on the Richter scale. A strong Richter scale measurement starts at around 6.0.
The second is when there is a considerable rise or fall in the water level when it is not time for a tide. In fact, many people lost their lives in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami because they had gathered at the beach to view the bare ocean floor.
Another warning sign, howbeit small, is that tsunamis have been reported to sound like a freight train. This warning sign has more significance when placed with one of the first two major signs.
Other things to remember with tsunamis are that the first wave may not be the most destructive, the waves can be 5 minutes to an hour apart, and earthquakes can cause tsunamis thousands of miles away.
It is important to know the warning signs of a tsunami. This information is especially vital for anyone living near larger bodies of water and near earthquake areas, as well as for those vacationing in these areas. Who knows…it just may save your life.