Tsunamis Flashcards
1
Q
What is a tsunami?
A
A special type of wave
Caused by an earthquake which displaces the water above it, setting an ocean in motion
2
Q
How are tsunamis formed?
A
One tectonic plate is dragged beneath another in the zone of subduction, causing tension to build
Eventually, one plate will flex, displacing the entire column of water vertically
This column splits, 1 wave goes out to sea, the other into shore
This surge inland, but the secondary waves are far more powerful than the first
