Tsunamis are caused by disturbances that occur in the ocean. There are four
primary causes of these deadly waves.
Earthquake: Earthquakes are sudden movements on the Earth’s
surface. Quakes may originate on land or in the oceans. The earth consists of
huge plates that are in constant, slow motion. Plates tend to move more rapidly
along fault lines, which are cracks in the earth’s surface. The rapid movement
of plates results in an earthquake. Underwater earthquakes may produce a
tsunami when intense pressure from moving plates pushes water above seal level.
Tsunami length and speed depends on the severity of the earthquake. For
example, the Indian Ocean earthquake registered 9.0 on
the Richter scale, and caused a tsunami that traveled at speeds in excess of
300 mph.
Landslides: Landslides are caused by ground movements that
generate falling rocks, falling slopes, and debris flow. Many factors
contribute to landslides. Common culprits include earthquakes, storms, or
gravity. When mountains are located near a body of water, falling slopes that
hit the water with great force may cause a wave, or mini-tsunami. These
mini-tsunamis travel through the water toppling everything in its path.
Although tsunamis caused by landslides are not as powerful as ones caused by
underwater earthquakes. These types of tsunamis may cause devastation and lives
lost to nearby boats and swimmers.
Volcano: A volcano is a mountain that releases magma from
the earth. Magma is liquid rock located within the interior of the earth’s
crust. This liquid is extremely hot and melts anything that comes in contact
with it. During a volcanic eruption, the pressure and energy behind an
explosion may cause volcanic rocks hitting the water’s surface to produce a
massive tsunami.
Meteorite: Although not entirely proven, many scientists
conclude that some tsunamis may be caused by meteors or comets hitting the
earth’s surface.