Article on tsunami

Tsunami is a series of strong ocean waves that sends surges of water, sometimes reaching height of many meters. This natural disaster occurs due to the volcanic eruptions in the oceans beds. Earthquakes and landslides are also responsible for tsunamis. Tsunami can create devastating impact near the coastline areas. Tsunamis caused by the earthquakes or volcanic eruptions underneath the seas are likely to be predicted.

Greek historian Thucydides investigated in his book History of the Peloponnesian War’ about the causes of tsunami. He was the first to claim that ocean earthquakes must be the cause of tsunami.

The disaster caused by waves generated because of earthquake and whose main point is beneath the water is called ‘tsunami’. The term ‘tsunami’, is also referred as tidal waves. Tsunami is a series of ocean waves with very long wavelength. It produces strong waves of water that moves landwards. The inland movement of water is much greater and lasts for a longer period, giving an impact of an extreme high tide.

On 9th July 1958, the biggest tsunami wave thus far recorded in history took place in a bay located in Lituya Bay along Alaska coast. After quake, a massive mass of rock fell into the bay waters from a nearby cliff. Its impact produced a wave that reached height of 524 meters. It is regarded as the biggest tsunami wave in history.

These destructive waves can also be produced in waters of lakes or bays. As the waves, approach the coast, its largeness increases. However, its size is quite low in deep-sea areas. Tsunami waves generating in bays or lakes do not travel long distances. They may not prove as destructive as the waves generated in the oceanic waters. Tsunami can travel in all directions from its main point. In December 2004, a series of tsunami waves were experienced in India. However, its origin was located in Indonesia. As many as two lakh people lost their lives as the waves travelled thousands of kilometers in countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives.

Tsunamis mainly occur in the Pacific Ocean. There are more possibilities that they take place where there are large water bodies. Open bays and coastlines next to very deep water may shape the tsunami further into a step-like wave. Countries where tsunamis are commonly expected take preventive measures to reduce the damages caused onshore. To protect populated coastal areas many tsunami walls of up to fifteen feet are constructed in Japan. Special channels are built to redirect tsunami water safely. However, their efficiency has been challenged because often waters over top the barriers.