Tsunami #news

A tsunami is a catastrophic marine event caused by intense seismic activity, volcanic eruptions, or underwater landslides. The term "tsunami" comes from Japanese, where "tsu" means harbor and "nami" means wave.

**Characteristics of a Tsunami:**

1. **Wave Height**: Tsunami waves can reach extreme heights, sometimes exceeding 100 feet (30 meters).
2. **Speed**: Tsunami waves travel at very high speeds, often between 500 to 800 kilometers per hour (about 310 to 500 miles per hour).
3. **Wavelength**: The distance between successive waves in a tsunami can be very long, often ranging from 10 to 500 kilometers (about 6 to 310 miles).

**Formation and Impact:**
- **Formation**: Tsunamis typically form due to underwater earthquakes, where tectonic plates shift and displace large volumes of water. Volcanic eruptions and underwater landslides can also trigger tsunamis.
- **Impact**: Upon reaching shallow waters near coastlines, the speed of the tsunami decreases, but the wave height increases significantly, causing massive destruction to coastal areas, including loss of life, property damage, and environmental devastation.

Tsunamis are unpredictable and can strike with little warning, making them particularly dangerous natural disasters. Early warning systems and education on evacuation procedures are crucial for minimizing their impact on human lives and infrastructure.