Tsunamis: Giant Ocean Waves Powered by Physics

A tsunami is a series of giant ocean waves usually triggered by underwater earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions.
Unlike normal waves, tsunamis involve the whole water column, from surface to seafloor.
In deep water, tsunami waves can travel at jet-plane speeds—over 500 mph.
Their wavelengths can stretch for hundreds of kilometers, making them hard to notice at sea.
As they reach shallow water, the waves slow down but grow taller, sometimes towering over 30 meters.
The first wave is not always the largest—dangerous waves can arrive hours later.
Tsunamis carry immense energy, capable of moving ships, flooding cities, and reshaping coastlines.
Early warning systems track seismic activity and sea-level changes to alert coastal communities.
Animals often sense the vibrations and retreat to higher ground before humans notice.
From ancient legends to modern science, tsunamis remind us of the ocean’s awesome power.