Key Stage 4
Meaning
A tsunami is a giant wave caused by an earthquake or landslide under the sea bed.
About Tsunamis
Earthquakes under the sea bed cause a large volume of water to be displaced. This water then creates a large wave that travels across the water at up too 500km/h and can reach a height of up to 30m. When tsunamis reach the coast friction builds between the much more shallow sea bed and the high speed wave. This friction causes the wave the to slow down as friction builds and therefore as it slows down the height of the wave increases. After this increase in height Tsunamis can reach up to 40m as they come in contact with land. When they reach land Tsunamis flood the area local to the coast and can cause large amounts are destruction including damage to people's property, damage to the local environment, and loss of life.