Why Do Tsunamis Occur?

Why Do Tsunamis Occur?

Though it is rare in occurrence, most of us know about the killer wave that hit the great Indian Ocean back in 2004. In studies shown by U.S. Geological Scientists, they said that the movement of the earth or forces that caused it was equivalent to thousands and thousands of atomic bombs used during the Second World War. The shaking of the ground thus caused the ocean water to shake violently thus unleashing a series of tsunamis that fled across the Indian Ocean with great speed. Within seconds upon the attack of the killer waves, over 150,000 people were dead and missing while millions more were left homeless in 11 different countries, making this natural occurrence to be the deadliest tsunami to date.

So what is it behind these natural phenomena that leave millions of people around the world in fear for their lives every time there is a predicted arrival of one? What is a tsunami? What causes it? Why does it occur?

We are all familiar of earthquakes and how it tends to shake the grounds of the earth causing movements and even cracks. A tsunami is likewise, like an earthquake. The only difference is it happens in the water. A tsunami consists of a series of big waves that has the potential to wreck a town and take away lives once it strikes.

Tsunamis occur due to underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. On more rare occasions, it can also be caused by a submarine rockslide and even a meteoroid crash in the water from outer space. Though underwater earthquakes are the most common causes of these tsunamis, it is important to note that not of the waters movements cause tsunamis to occur. For one to cause a tsunami, the earthquake underwater should have over and about a magnitude of 6.75 on long magnitude scale.