A tsunami "harbour wave";[1]  or tidal wave, also known as a seismic sea

wave, is a series of waves in a water body caused by the displacement of a

large volume of water, generally in an ocean or a large
lake. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other underwater
explosions (including detonations of underwater nuclear devices),
landslides, glacier calvings, meteorite impacts and other disturbances
above or below water all have the potential to generate a tsunami.[3] Unlike
normal ocean waves, which are generated by wind, or tides, which are
generated by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun, a tsunami is
generated by the displacement of water.
Tsunami waves do not resemble normal undersea currents or sea
waves because their wavelength is far longer.[4] Rather than appearing as a
breaking wave, a tsunami may instead initially resemble a rapidly
rising tide.[citation needed] For this reason, it is often referred to as a "tidal wave",
although this usage is not favoUred by the scientific community because it
might give the false impression of a causal relationship between tides and
tsunamis.[citation needed] Tsunamis generally consist of a series of waves,
with periods ranging from minutes to hours, arriving in a so-called "internal
wave train".[5] Wave heights of tens of metres can be generated by large
events. Although the impact of tsunamis is limited to coastal areas, their
destructive power can be enormous, and they can affect entire ocean
basins. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was among the deadliest natural
disasters in human history, with at least 230,000 people killed or missing in
14 countries bordering the Indian Ocean.
The reason for the Japanese name "harbour wave" is that sometimes a
village's fishermen would sail out, and encounter no unusual waves while
out at sea fishing, and come back to land to find their village devastated by
a huge wave.
What causes tsunami?

Earthquakes

Most tsunami are caused by large earthquakes on the sea floor when slabs
of rock move past each other suddenly, causing the overlying water to
move. The resulting waves move away from the source of the earthquake
event.

Landslides
Landslides can happen on the seafloor, just like on land. Areas of the
seafloor that are steep and loaded with sediment, such as the edge of the
continental slope, are more prone to undersea landslides.

When an undersea landslide occurs (perhaps after a nearby earthquake) a

large mass of sand, mud and gravel can move down the slope. This
movement will draw the water down and may cause a tsunami that will
travel across the ocean.

Seismicity
Tsunami can be generated when the sea floor abruptly deforms and
vertically displaces the overlying water. Tectonic earthquakes are a
particular kind of earthquake that are associated with the Earth's crustal
deformation; when these earthquakes occur beneath the sea, the water
above the deformed area is displaced from its equilibrium position.[23] More
specifically, a tsunami can be generated when thrust faults associated
with convergent or destructive plate boundaries move abruptly, resulting in
water displacement, owing to the vertical component of movement
Landslides
In the 1950s, it was discovered that larger tsunamis than had previously
been believed possible could be caused by giant submarine landslides.
These rapidly displace large water volumes, as energy transfers to the
water at a rate faster than the water can absorb. Their existence was
confirmed in 1958, when a giant landslide in Lituya Bay, Alaska, caused the
highest wave ever recorded, which had a height of 524 metres (over 1700
feet).[27] 
Meteotsunamis
Some meteorological conditions, especially rapid changes in barometric
pressure, as seen with the passing of a front, can displace bodies of water
enough to cause trains of waves with wavelengths comparable to seismic
tsunamis, but usually with lower energies. These are essentially
dynamically equivalent to seismic tsunamis, the only differences being that
meteotsunamis lack the transoceanic reach of significant seismic tsunamis
and that the force that displaces the water is sustained over some length of
time such that meteotsunamis can't be modelled as having been caused
instantaneously.
Man-made or triggered tsunamis
There have been studies of the potential of the induction of and at least one
actual attempt to create tsunami waves as a tectonic weapon.
In World War II, the New Zealand Military Forces initiated Project Seal,
which attempted to create small tsunamis with explosives in the area of
today's Shakespear Regional Park; the attempt failed.[32]
Characteristics
Tsunamis cause damage by two mechanisms: the smashing force of a wall
of water travelling at high speed, and the destructive power of a large
volume of water draining off the land and carrying a large amount of debris
with it, even with waves that do not appear to be large.
The velocity of a tsunami can be calculated by obtaining the square root of
the depth of the water in metres multiplied by the acceleration due to
gravity (approximated to 10 m/s2). For example, if the Pacific Ocean is
considered to have a depth of 5000 metres, the velocity of a tsunami would
be the square root of √(5000 × 10) = √50000 = ~224 metres per second
(735 feet per second), which equates to a speed of ~806 kilometres per
hour or about 500 miles per hour. This is the formula used for calculating
the velocity of shallow-water waves. Even the deep ocean is shallow in this
sense because a tsunami wave is so long (horizontally from crest to crest)
by comparison.
When the tsunami's wave peak reaches the shore, the resulting temporary
rise in sea level is termed run up. Run up is measured in metres above a
reference sea level.[35] A large tsunami may feature multiple waves arriving
over a period of hours, with significant time between the wave crests. The
first wave to reach the shore may not have the highest run-up.[36]
About 80% of tsunamis occur in the Pacific Ocean, but they are possible
wherever there are large bodies of water, including lakes. They are caused
by earthquakes, landslides, volcanic explosions, glacier calvings,
and bolides.
Drawback
All waves have a positive and negative peak; that is, a ridge and a trough.
In the case of a propagating wave like a tsunami, either may be the first to
arrive. If the first part to arrive at the shore is the ridge, a massive breaking
wave or sudden flooding will be the first effect noticed on land. However, if
the first part to arrive is a trough, a drawback will occur as the shoreline
recedes dramatically, exposing normally submerged areas. The drawback
can exceed hundreds of metres, and people unaware of the danger
sometimes remain near the shore to satisfy their curiosity or to collect fish
from the exposed seabed.
Scales of intensity and magnitude
As with earthquakes, several attempts have been made to set up scales of
tsunami intensity or magnitude to allow comparison between different
events.[37]
Intensity scales
The first scales used routinely to measure the intensity of tsunami were
the Sieberg-Ambraseys scale, used in the Mediterranean Sea and
the Imamura-Iida intensity scale, used in the Pacific Ocean. The latter scale
was modified by Soloviev, who calculated the Tsunami intensity I according
to the formula
Magnitude scales
The first scale that genuinely calculated a magnitude for a tsunami,
rather than an intensity at a particular location was the ML scale
proposed by Murty & Loomis based on the potential energy.
Tsunami heights
There are different term being used to describe different
characteristic of tsunami in term of their height, and each of them are
used to refer to different characteristic of a tsunami.

 Amplitude, Wave Height, or Tsunami Height: Amplitude of

Tsunami refer to its height relative to the normal sea level. It is
usually measured at sea level, and it is different from the crest-to-
trough height which is commonly used to measure other type of
wave height.[46]
 Run-up Height, or Inundation Height: The height reached by a
tsunami on the ground above sea level, Maximum run-up height
refers to the maximum height reached by water above sea level,
which is sometime reported as the maximum height reached by a
tsunami.
 Flow Depth: Refer to the height of tsunami above ground,
regardless of the height of the location or sea level.
  (Maximum) Water Level: Maximum height above sea level as
seen from trace or water mark. Different from maximum run-up
height in the sense that they are not necessarily water marks at
inundation line/limit.
Warnings and predictions
A tsunami cannot be precisely predicted, even if the magnitude and
location of an earthquake is known. Geologists, oceanographers,
and seismologists analyse each earthquake and based on many
factors may or may not issue a tsunami warning. However, there are
some warning signs of an impending tsunami, and automated
systems can provide warnings immediately after an earthquake in
time to save lives.
Regions with a high tsunami risk typically use tsunami warning
systems to warn the population before the wave reaches land.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning System is based in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi.
It monitors Pacific Ocean seismic activity. A sufficiently large
earthquake magnitude and other information triggers a tsunami
warning.
Computer models can predict tsunami arrival, usually within minutes
of the arrival time. Bottom pressure sensors can relay information
in real time. Based on these pressure readings and other seismic
information and the seafloor's shape (bathymetry) and
coastal topography, the models estimate the amplitude and surge
height of the approaching tsunami. All Pacific Rim countries
collaborate in the Tsunami Warning System and most regularly
practise evacuation and other procedures.
The DART program is a real-time monitoring system that provides data for
forecasting tsunamis. A buoy and ocean floor sensor measures the height
of the surface above the seafloor, water pressure, and seismic activity. The
buoy can send an alert if it detects possible tsunami-like activity

Mitigation
In some tsunami-prone countries, earthquake engineering measures
have been taken to reduce the damage caused onshore.
 Japan, where tsunami science and response measures first began
following a disaster in 1896, has produced ever-more elaborate
countermeasures and response plans.[50] The country has built many
tsunami walls of up to 12 metres (39 ft) high to protect populated
coastal areas. Other localities have built floodgates of up to 15.5
metres (51 ft) high and channels to redirect the water from an
incoming tsunami. However, their effectiveness has been
questioned, as tsunami often overtop the barriers.

What is the biggest tsunami ever recorded?

An earthquake followed by a landslide in 1958 in Alaska's Lituya
Bay generated a wave 100 feet high, the tallest tsunami ever documented.
When the wave ran ashore, it snapped trees 1,700 feet upslope.

IF YOU ARE UNDER A TSUNAMI WARNING:

 First, protect yourself from an Earthquake. Drop, Cover, then Hold

On.
 Get to high ground as far inland as possible.
 Be alert to signs of a tsunami, such as a sudden rise or draining of
ocean waters.
 Listen to emergency information and alerts.
 Evacuate: DO NOT wait! Leave as soon as you see any natural signs
of a tsunami or receive an official tsunami warning.
 If you are in a boat, go out to sea.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A TSUNAMI THREATENS

Prepare NOW

 If you live near, or regularly visit a coastal area, learn about the risk of
tsunami in the area. Some at-risk communities have maps with
 evacuation zones and routes. If you are a visitor, ask about
community plans.
 Learn the signs of a potential tsunami, such as an earthquake, a loud
roar from the ocean, or unusual ocean behavior, such as a sudden
rise or wall of water or sudden draining of water showing the ocean
floor.
 Know and practice community evacuation plans and map out your
routes from home, work, and play. Pick shelters 100 feet or more
above sea level, or at least one mile inland.
 Create a family emergency communication plan that has an out-of-
state contact. Plan where to meet if you get separated.
 Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert
System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
 Consider earthquake insurance and a flood insurance policy through
the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Standard
homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood or earthquake damage.

Survive DURING

 If you are in a tsunami area and there is an earthquake, then first

protect yourself from the earthquake. Drop, Cover, and Hold On.
Drop to your hands and knees. Cover your head and neck with your
arms. Hold on to any sturdy furniture until the shaking stops. Crawl
only if you can reach better cover, but do not go through an area with
more debris.
 When the shaking stops, if there are natural signs or official warnings
of a tsunami, then move immediately to a safe place as high and as
 far inland as possible. Listen to the authorities, but do not wait for
tsunami warnings and evacuation orders.
 If you are outside of the tsunami hazard zone and receive a warning,
then stay where you are unless officials tell you otherwise.
 Leave immediately if you are told to do so. Evacuation routes are
often marked by a wave with an arrow in the direction of higher
ground.
 If you are in the water, then grab onto something that floats, such as
a raft, tree trunk, or door.
 If you are in a boat, then face the direction of the waves and head out
to sea. If you are in a harbor, then go inland.

Be Safe AFTER

 Listen to local alerts and authorities for information on areas to avoid

and shelter locations.
 Avoid wading in floodwater, which can contain dangerous debris.
Water may be deeper than it appears.
 Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Underground or downed power
lines can electrically charge water. Do not touch electrical equipment
if it is wet or if you are standing in water.
 Stay away from damaged buildings, roads, and bridges.
 Document property damage with photographs. Conduct an inventory
and contact your insurance company for assistance.
 Save phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or
busy after a disaster. Use text messages or social media to
communicate with family and friends.

Extraterrestrial Tsunamis
Tsunami waves are not limited to Earth’s surface. An analysis of
the Martian surface conducted in 2016, which examined the desert planet’s
northern plains by using photographs and thermal imagery, revealed
evidence of two separate tsunami events that occurred long ago. These
events are thought to have been caused by comet or asteroid impacts.

Effect of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake on India

According to official estimates in India, 10,136 people were killed and
hundreds of thousands made homeless when a tsunami triggered by
the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake near the Indonesian island
of Sumatra struck the southern coast on 26 December 2004. The
earthquake registered 9.1–9.3 Mw and was the largest in five decades.[1] It
was followed by strong aftershocks[2] on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Affected states and regions[edit]

This disaster affected a total of fourteen regions.[3] The Andaman and
Nicobar Islands comprise 572 islands (land masses at low and high tide), of
which 38 are inhabited by people from the mainland and indigenous tribes.
CASE STUDY: THE TOHOKU TSUNAMI, JAPAN 2011

On the 11th March 2011 a powerful earthquake measuring 9.0 on the

Richter scale occurred around 100km east of Sendai on Honshu, Japan, In
just 30 minutes a wall of water up to 40m high hit the coast of north western
Japan. It was followed in places by up to 9 additional waves up to 10m in
height. 3000km of coastline was affected by the waves, which tore through
coastal defences.

What can we do now:

1. Disaster Management Information System must be built in every

district of the country linked with each other, available on the web and
also in public libraries. We should know where are the inventories
available of critical equipments, skills, resources and information and
how can one access them on voluntary or payment basis. The
database of various services and infrastructure in private, public and
voluntary sectors should be updated regularly.
2. Just as we have national services scheme, we must now think of
national disaster management volunteers who would receive training
and be empowered to organize themselves as effective teams for
 helping local communities around them. No amount of state help can
substitute for community based structures for self help. Supreme
Court had passed judgments and given advice for starting courses on
disaster management in various educational institutions. The major
tragedy will begin when the media will get interested in new issues,
fight among some other politicians or corporate games. Resources
would be required for repairing and building the primary school
buildings, primary health centres, livestock, clinics, tree climbing
devices for palm workers, herbal and other medicines, mat making
machines, and machines which can use materials from damaged
trees and bio waste, old bamboo scrap, processing machine for
various edible and non-edible oilseeds, etc. A proper rehabilitation
plan will have to be built for each village affected by the disaster with
proper accountability structure. The accounts of every investment
must be made public and people should be able to know how much
funds were mobilized by which NGO or government agency and how
were they used for the purpose.
3. In cases where fishing communities or island based indigenous /
tribal communities have been affected very severely, long term
rehabilitation plans have to be initiated. These plans must learn from
the mistakes made in earlier rehabilitation projects.
4. We need to put a spreadsheet immediately on the web pointing out
village wise needs, contact persons’ names and addresses so that
civil society efforts can be targeted more efficiently.The psychological
rehabilitation is no less important. The children affected the by the
shock and tragedy are particularly vulnerable. The arrangements for
adoption of orphan children with proper community care have to be
put in place.