Back

Tsunami

A tsunami is the proper name for a tidal wave. Tsunami can be caused by earthquakes, or by big storms such as hurricanes that have a storm surge.

It makes a huge wave that sweeps on to the land. They are so powerful they can sweep a heavy truck right off the ground.

Waves can be formed at any time without warning, and can move as fast as 200kph.

A tidal wave can be up to 300 metres high. Work out how high that is by measuring the height of the room you are in!

You don't get a lot of photos of tsunami, because you don't exactly stand around with a camera while one is coming at you! Never, never go down to a beach if a tsunami is coming, because you cannot outrun it. The safest thing to do is to get to high ground, because the tsunami will destroy everything in its path.

Back to Top