A tsunami is a huge, destructive wave created in the ocean.

It can be caused by a volcanic eruption, an underwater earthquake, large landslides, the breaking off of glacier fragments, a meteorite impact.


Tsunami interesting facts

1. The tsunami wave created at a great depth of the ocean in the initial phase can travel at speeds of up to 900 km / h.

2. Its initial height does not exceed several dozen centimeters. Being on a ship on the high seas, it is hard to spot. It accumulates in the coastal zone and can reach several dozen meters in height.

3. A tsunami wave can be 150-250 km long.

4. The largest tsunami wave occurred on June 9, 1958. As a result of the earthquake, the mass of land in Lituya Bay in Alaska fell in excess of 90 million tonnes (the water splash reached a height of over 520 meters). The resulting tsunami wave at the mouth of the bay was over 30 meters high.

5. The oldest tsunami described was in 6100 BCE. It was formed in the northern part of the Atlantic due to the Storegga landslide.

6. One of the deadliest tsunami waves was created in 2004 in the Indian Ocean. Over 230,000 people died and 1,500,000 were injured. More than 5 million people in 14 countries have lost their homes or access to food and water. It is estimated that the earthquake that caused such a huge tsunami wave had an energy comparable to the explosion of 23,000 atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima.

7. It is impossible to 100% predict where a tsunami will occur. It remains a mystery to scientists why some large earthquakes do not generate a destructive wave, while others much smaller do.

8. Knowing the depth of the water in the place where the tsunami occurred, you can accurately estimate the time when the wave will hit the shore.

9. In 1755, a tsunami wave devastated Lisbon, killing 90,000 people.

10. In 1864, a tsunami hit the United States and Canada, causing losses of over $ 100 million.

11. Over 700 million people worldwide live in areas threatened by a tsunami.

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What does the name “tsunami” mean?

Tsu means port and “us” means wave. The name comes from the fact that its destructive power is visible on the shore (in the port). In the open sea, it is practically imperceptible.

Answer: paczka-wiedzy


Where do tsunami waves most often occur?

In the Pacific Ocean basin.

Answer: paczka-wiedzy


Why is tsunami most common in the Pacific Ocean?

Because it is a very seismically active area.

Answer: paczka-wiedzy


What regions are most at risk from a tsunami wave?

The coasts of Japan, Kamchatka, Alaska, Kuryla, Central America and Chile are most threatened. About 85% of all tsunamis occur in these areas.

Answer: paczka-wiedzy


What influences the strength of the resulting tsunami?

The place where the wave is created is important. The deeper the water, the faster it gets.

Answer: paczka-wiedzy


How can you tell when a tsunami is coming?

Often, before the onset of a tsunami, there is a phenomenon of water receding.

Answer: paczka-wiedzy


Poland is threatened by a tsunami?

There is a small chance that a tsunami will arise in the Baltic Sea. It is too shallow and there are no strong earthquakes nearby. The only threat may be a large meteorite hitting the Baltic Sea. The chance of this, however, is slim.


The records of chroniclers show that the tsunami wave in the Baltic Sea occurred twice in 1497 and in the middle of the 18th century. It was called “Sea Bear”. These events are under constant scrutiny.

Answer: paczka-wiedzy / Kasia


What are the types of tsunamis?

Local (located near the coast, arrival time up to half an hour), regional (arrival time up to 5 hours) and Pacific (arrival time from a few to several hours).

Answer: paczka-wiedzy


If a wave traveling at a speed of, say, 800 km / h hits the ship, will it be “carried away” by it, despite its low altitude?

we’re waiting for a response…

Answer:


What to do when a tsunami takes us?

At all costs, we need to catch on to something that will allow us to stay afloat, and then count on the miracle that we will survive until the tide stops.

Answer: Ola


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