Natural Disaster
Locations most at risk
The pacific ocean and its marginal seas have a more frequent occurrence of large destructive tsunamis because of the large earthquakes along its margins.
Disaster science
Volcanic or earthquake activity causes abrupt movement of the water column.
Disaster Formation
Occurs when one tectonic plate slides under another and sinks into the earths mantle. The friction between the two plates creates large amounts of energy and released in the form of an earthquake. When a strong undersea earthquake strikes a relatively short distance below the seafloor it pushes up one of the plates. That suddenly displaces a large amount of ocean water which becomes a tsunami.
Disaster Occurrences
Usually two tsunamis occur per year throughout the world and they can occur at anytime.
Disaster Effects
The first small wave can crash against objects near the shore and cause small damage but the waves after can move farther inland, lifting buildings off their foundation and create a swirl pool of debris.
Most Recent Event
December 22, 2018 in Indonesia's Sunda Strait. More than 400 people were reported dead and many people lost their home.
Warning Agencies
Pacific Tsunami Warning Center
1-808-689-8207
National Tsunami Warning System
907-45-4212
Types of Warnings
In the U.S., warnings are sent to coastal National Weather Service offices and emergency and local management officials. Multiple lines of communication, such as the Emergency Alert System and sirens, are used to notify the public and encourage people to evacuate low-lying coastal areas.
Disaster Preparedness
Get to high ground as far inland as possible and avoid downed power lines. Stay away from buildings and bridges.
Bibliography
https://www.americangeosciences.org/critical-issues/faq/how-are-tsunami-early-warnings-issued
http://itic.ioc-unesco.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=1166&Itemid=1166
https://ysjournal.com/the-science-behind-tsunamis/
https://www.voanews.com/a/what-causes-a-tsunami-117813908/167170.html
https://sciencing.com/damages-do-tsunamis-cause-7551542.html
Famous Events
Sumatra, Indonesia – 26 December 2004
North Pacific Coast, Japan – 11 March 2011
Lisbon, Portugal – 1 November 1755
Made by
Jakya McQueen