What are Tsunamis?

Prior to the devastating tsunami that occurred on December 26, 2004, many had little concern about tsunamis, or the possibility of one occurring in North America. Tsunamis, also referred to as tidal waves, are a series of massive waves that are enormous in height and strength. The intensity in the wake of these destructive natural phenomena’s is indescribable. Footage of the damage caused by the Indian Ocean tsunami replayed for weeks after it made landfall. Once the final death toll was calculated (over 200,000 lives lost), many began to inquire about these killer waves. What caused tsunamis? What are some features of tsunamis? Are there signs for forthcoming tsunamis? Can killer waves be predicted?

Tsunamis are strings of powerful waves that generate in the ocean. These waves are the effect of a geological disturbance. Tsunamis have the ability to be hundreds of miles long, and can reach heights up to 35 feet. The speed behind these waves is out of the ordinary. Tsunamis vary. Some travel virtually undetected, whereas others ay cause much devastation and lost of life. Waves of this sort likely moved at speeds comparable to a commercial jet, which does not allow much time to search for shelter.