The most common causes of tsunamis are underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides. Literally translated from Japanese, “tsunami” is “a big wave in the bay”. Most often, tsunamis occur in the Pacific and Indian oceans. Even in the 5th century BC, the Greek historian Thucydides explained the occurrence of a tsunami underwater earthquakes. 8 Interesting facts about a tsunami A tsunami hits the coast not in one wave, but in an entire series. The first wave is not always the most destructive.
Therefore, people who are trying to return home after the first strike of the elements make a big mistake. The speed of the waves in the ocean can reach 900 km / h. As we approach the coast, the speed drops significantly. The incredible speed of the killer waves is one of the main reasons why seismologists simply do not have time to notify the population of those regions where a tsunami could collapse in the near future. On May 22, 1960, a powerful tsunami appeared 160 kilometers off the coast of Chile. Within 15 minutes, the waves reached the coast. Many animals are able to predict a tsunami. For example, in 2004, tourists quietly rode elephants in Thailand.
Suddenly, the animals began to get nervous and, despite the teams of drovers, rushed away from the coast. A few minutes later powerful waves hit here. Interestingly, palm trees successfully resist the tsunami invasion. When everything collapses around, and other types of trees are uprooted, palm trees remain almost intact. The extensive root system of palm trees is an excellent counterweight. And the trunk of these trees is very flexible, it is difficult to break it even by a tsunami and a hurricane wind. A tsunami does not inflict upon Europe infrequently. But, in 1755 the Portuguese city of Lisbon was almost completely destroyed. According to the documents, about 60,000 people became victims of the tragedy. The sailors who visited the port after the tsunami simply did not recognize it. This catastrophe was one of the reasons that Portugal began to lose the title of a great maritime power. On November 5, 1952, the Soviet city of Severo-Kurilsk, located on the island of Paramushir (the Kuril Islands), became a victim of the tsunami. Waves up to 18 meters high destroyed the city. The tsunami invasion happened early in the morning, when people were still asleep. Therefore, most of the inhabitants were taken by surprise. 2,300 people were killed out of 6,000 residents of Severo-Kurilsk. In the USSR, this tragedy was not officially reported for a long time. The Soviet government decided to create a Tsunami Warning System. Several seismic stations were discovered. But, as mentioned above, scientists were far from always able to warn in time about the impending catastrophe. About 70% of the warnings turned out to be false, and every fifth case of a tsunami was simply not noticed. The asteroid “20002 Tillismmit” got its unusual name in honor of 10-year-old English woman Tilly Smith, who in December 2004 rested with her parents in Thailand. At school, she remembered that before the tsunami, water can dramatically move away from the coast. Noticing such a phenomenon on the beach, Tilly warned parents, and they - hotel staff. Due to the timely evacuation, the victims were avoided.
Therefore, people who are trying to return home after the first strike of the elements make a big mistake. The speed of the waves in the ocean can reach 900 km / h. As we approach the coast, the speed drops significantly. The incredible speed of the killer waves is one of the main reasons why seismologists simply do not have time to notify the population of those regions where a tsunami could collapse in the near future. On May 22, 1960, a powerful tsunami appeared 160 kilometers off the coast of Chile. Within 15 minutes, the waves reached the coast. Many animals are able to predict a tsunami. For example, in 2004, tourists quietly rode elephants in Thailand.
Suddenly, the animals began to get nervous and, despite the teams of drovers, rushed away from the coast. A few minutes later powerful waves hit here. Interestingly, palm trees successfully resist the tsunami invasion. When everything collapses around, and other types of trees are uprooted, palm trees remain almost intact. The extensive root system of palm trees is an excellent counterweight. And the trunk of these trees is very flexible, it is difficult to break it even by a tsunami and a hurricane wind. A tsunami does not inflict upon Europe infrequently. But, in 1755 the Portuguese city of Lisbon was almost completely destroyed. According to the documents, about 60,000 people became victims of the tragedy. The sailors who visited the port after the tsunami simply did not recognize it. This catastrophe was one of the reasons that Portugal began to lose the title of a great maritime power. On November 5, 1952, the Soviet city of Severo-Kurilsk, located on the island of Paramushir (the Kuril Islands), became a victim of the tsunami. Waves up to 18 meters high destroyed the city. The tsunami invasion happened early in the morning, when people were still asleep. Therefore, most of the inhabitants were taken by surprise. 2,300 people were killed out of 6,000 residents of Severo-Kurilsk. In the USSR, this tragedy was not officially reported for a long time. The Soviet government decided to create a Tsunami Warning System. Several seismic stations were discovered. But, as mentioned above, scientists were far from always able to warn in time about the impending catastrophe. About 70% of the warnings turned out to be false, and every fifth case of a tsunami was simply not noticed. The asteroid “20002 Tillismmit” got its unusual name in honor of 10-year-old English woman Tilly Smith, who in December 2004 rested with her parents in Thailand. At school, she remembered that before the tsunami, water can dramatically move away from the coast. Noticing such a phenomenon on the beach, Tilly warned parents, and they - hotel staff. Due to the timely evacuation, the victims were avoided.
