VIII. Earthquakes and Tsunamis
B. Tsunamis
1. An unusually large sea wave produced by a seaquake or undersea volcanic eruption
a. Subduction zone movement b. Overriding plate bulges under strain c. Plate slips, causing release of energy d. Energy release produces wave 2. Moves faster than a jet airplane |
What makes a tsunami
Tsunamis are caused by underwater earthquakes. Earthquakes result from the movement of tectonic plates. The forces of this plate movement are suddenly released as a great burst of energy. The video on the right demonstrates how tsunamis are formed. The video below shows a similar demonstration and how it affected countries bordering the Indian Ocean on December 27, 2004. Parents, there is some graphic footage near the end of this video.
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