What Causes a Tsunami?
What usually causes a tsunami?
An earthquake or volcanic eruption.
What does "seismic" refer to?
Related to earthquakes or vibrations of the earth.
What is the "Ring of Fire"?
An area with many tectonic shifts, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
What happens to the water just before a tsunami hits?
It retreats, exposing the bare sea floor.
What should families do if a tsunami is coming?
Climb to a high point.
What movement in the ocean floor causes waves to form?
An abrupt movement.
What is the "aftermath" of an earthquake or eruption?
The consequences or results.
Why is the Ring of Fire important to tsunamis?
It is where most tsunamis are caused by tectonic activity.
What is a sign that a tsunami is coming?
A sudden retreat of seawater.
How can you avoid drowning during a tsunami?
Travel as far inland as possible.
What are the waves formed in the middle of the ocean called?
Seismic waves.
What is the "bare sea floor"?
The exposed ocean floor when water retreats.
Name one natural event that occurs in the Ring of Fire.
Earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
What does the lowest part of the wave create when it hits?
A vacuum effect.
True or False: Families should stay near the shore during a tsunami.
False. They should move inland.
Where do most tsunamis occur?
In the Pacific Ocean.
What does "vacuum effect" mean in the context of tsunamis?
When seawater retreats back, pulling water away from the shore.
What causes tectonic shifts in the Ring of Fire?
Movement of the Earth's plates.
True or False: The sea floor remains covered before a tsunami.
False. It becomes exposed.
Why is it important to act quickly when a tsunami is approaching?
There is very little time to evacuate.
Why do most tsunamis occur in the Pacific Ocean?
Because it is part of the "Ring of Fire," where most tectonic shifts happen.
What does "devastating" mean when describing tsunamis?
Extremely destructive or damaging.
True or False: The Ring of Fire is located in the Atlantic Ocean.
False. It is in the Pacific Ocean.
Why do tsunamis have such little warning?
Because they occur soon after an earthquake or volcanic eruption.
What is one simple tip that can save lives during a tsunami?
Climb to higher ground.