![]() ![]() Characteristics of a TsunamiĪs we had seen earlier, a tsunami originates from a displacement of a large volume of water (Van 24). The carrying out of nuclear tests in deep sea can especially release large amounts of energy which can then displace large volumes of sea water hence, leading to the development of a tsunami wave. Activities of ManĪny human activity that can result in a displacement of a large volume of sea water can lead to the build-up of a tsunami wave. The gigantic speed and size of a typical asteroid can create huge waves (tsunamis) that can cause a devastating damage to our population (Liu 106).Īlthough the possibility of us experiencing such a collision (from a heavenly body such as a comet) is almost zero, there is always a possibility, however remote, of such a catastrophe (Abek 1561). While one might think that great damage from such collisions will occur if such bodies hit the earth’s surface in an area that is densely populated (such as a town), a greater catastrophic damage will happen if such bodies strike at sea (Abek 1561).įor example, scientists estimate that if an asteroid that is about six kilometres in size was to fall in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, a third of the US population would be killed (Damen 106). Our earth is constantly in danger of colliding with heavenly bodies like comets, asteroids and meteorites (Hanson 67). Moreover, a volcano can also trigger an earthquake, which can then trigger a tsunami (Damen 106). Tsunamis can originate from a displacement of water that is caused from a rising slope of a volcano (Van 24).īesides, gases that are usually released from an erupting volcano can also cause a large water displacement hence, forming a tsunami in themselves (Hanson 67). However, volcanic eruptions that occur under a sea are more hazardous in forming tsunamis (Hassain 51). When such debris falls into the sea, it displaces water hence, creating waves that can cause a tsunami. When a volcano occurs above the surface of the sea, but in proximity to the sea’s surface, a large quantity of rock debris is thrown into the sea. #Sri lanka map tsunami series#Due to a displacement of sea water as a result of displaced debris from landslides, a series of waves that has a potential of causing a tsunami is formed (Van 24). The erosion of coastal slopes can occur as a result of rain action, from sea waves, and storms (Hanson 67). Possible causes of such landslides include the earthquakes, the erosion of sea slopes, and volcanoes (Hanson 67). Landslides can occur at the seabed, or at the coast (Vitarana 84). Tsunamis can also originate from landslides. ![]() Knowing the magnitude of an earthquake can especially be useful in determining the scale of tsunamis that have travelled thousands of miles from their source (Hassain 51). The tsunami waves that originate from an earthquake source can then move away from the place where they originate thousands of miles (Moore 143). A fault line in the earths crust can especially create a boundary where a vertical displacement of the sea bed can easily occur (Liu 106).Įarthquakes that occur on subduction trenches are the main causes of most tsunamis (Liu 106). Usually, a displacement of a water column will occur when part of a sea bed is displaced (UNEP 12). Due to the force of gravity, the displaced volume of water will move downwards to regain its original position (Vitarana 84).Ī repetitive cycle where a water column moves up and down is created hence forming a wave. Once an earthquake occurs on a sea bed, a large mass of water is displaced upwards. Most tsunamis originate from earthquakes. The most common causes of tsunamis include earthquakes, moving heavenly bodies such as meteorites and asteroids, volcanoes, and landslides (Vitarana 84). Usually, anything with a potential of displacing, or moving a large volume of water can cause a tsunami (Vitarana 84). Here, “tsunami” can be directly translated as a series of waves that often form at bays (Hassain 51). The word “tsunami” has an origin in the Japanese language. Generally, a tsunami can be defined as a series of wave disturbances which usually originate from a vertical displacement of a water column (Abek 1561). Since all life is precious, it is our responsibility to use the resources we have, and adopt a behaviour that can help us preserve even a few lives during catastrophic events. Although we have evolved in science and thus learned many secrets of our world, we have not been able to subdue natural disasters. Such is the common story that is often told when catastrophic disasters like a tsunami strikes. Without warning, thousands of people were killed by the 2004 tsunami. Such was the case when a tsunami hit the coastline of Sri Lanka on 26 th December, 2004. Ranging from volcanoes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and the destructive tsunamis, we are susceptible to an array of natural disasters that is always waiting to strike. ![]()
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