WHY DO TSUNAMIS HAPPEN

PRERNA FOR IAS

WHY DO TSUNAMIS HAPPEN?

1. Tsunamis are Very Large Sea Waves

A tsunami is a series of extremely large ocean waves caused by a sudden disturbance in the sea. Unlike normal waves generated by wind, tsunamis carry enormous energy and can travel across entire oceans. When they reach coastal areas, they can cause severe flooding, destruction, and loss of life.

2. Usually Caused by Underwater Earthquakes

Most tsunamis are triggered by powerful earthquakes beneath the ocean floor. When tectonic plates suddenly shift, they displace a large volume of water. This disturbance creates waves that spread outward in all directions. Underwater volcanic eruptions and landslides can also generate tsunamis, though less frequently.

3. Movement of Tectonic Plates

The Earth's crust is divided into large tectonic plates that constantly move. When these plates collide, separate, or slide past each other beneath the ocean, stress builds up. A sudden release of this stress causes an earthquake, which can disturb the seafloor and trigger a tsunami.

4. Sudden Shift of the Ocean Floor

During an underwater earthquake, parts of the ocean floor may rise or sink suddenly. This vertical movement displaces a huge amount of seawater above it. The displaced water generates powerful waves that move rapidly across the ocean, carrying energy over vast distances from the earthquake source.

5. Water is Pushed Upward

When the ocean floor shifts upward, the water above it is forced upward as well. This sudden displacement creates a large disturbance on the ocean surface. The energy from this movement spreads through the water, forming tsunami waves that begin traveling away from the earthquake zone.

6. Energy Travels Across the Ocean