Geocentric Science

Tsunamis (also known as seismic sea waves and are commonly called tidal waves) are large waves often generated by earthquakes (tides do not influence or cause tsunamis).

Most tsunamis result from water that is displaced when there is movement along a fault located on the ocean floor. However, tsunamis are also triggered by large underwater landslides, underwater volcanic eruptions, and meteor impacts with the ocean.

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Once a tsunami is generated, energy is moved at high speeds across the ocean. In the open ocean, a tsunami is only detected by sensitive measuring equipment because the wave height is usually less than 1 meter and the distance between wave crests is very great (ranging from 100 to 700 kilometers).

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Once the tsunami enters shallower waters, the wave is slowed (by the seabed), and the wave begins to pile-up on itself, thus building in height. Most tsunamis do not exceed 30 meters (100 feet) in height. In addition, once a tsunami occurs, it typically consists of several large waves (a series of 7 or 8 waves are common).

1. What are the warning signs that a tsunami is approaching?

   Answer:

   A. Rapid withdrawal of water from the beaches

   B. Animals moving to higher grounds (or observing that animals are behaving in a atypical fashion)

   C. An earthquake

   D. The Pacific Warning System (TWS) alarm goes off

2. What do I do if a tsunami occurs?

   Answer:

   A. Move to higher ground immediately!

   B. Head inland - move far away from the coast

3. What can I do to prepare for a tsunami?

   Answer:

   A. Have an emergency disaster survival pack ready (include a first aid kit, radio, food, water, and clothing)

   B. Have an evacuation plan in place - discuss evacuation options with family members and coworkers

4. Can a tsunami occur in New York?

   Answer: Yes! However, it is not very likely. There is a much higher likelihood that a tsunami will occur in the Pacific Ocean because it is more tectonically active than the Atlantic Ocean. Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are extremely common around the Ring of Fire. Although, there have been significant landslides off the west coast of Africa in the geologic past that have generated tsunamis, they are rare. Movement along the Caribbean Plate could cause a tsunami, and depending on the magnitude of an earthquake in the Pacific Ocean, and slight tsunami may be detected in New York.

Read more on tsunamis and the Samoa earthquake