Japan Earthquake Sparks Tsunami Alert: Understanding Tsunamis and Their Frequent Occurrence in the Island Nation.
Updated: Jan 2
A tsunami, a term originating from Japanese meaning "harbour wave," is typically triggered by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. Let's dive into the details and learn all there is to know about tsunamis.
Japan's coastal regions faced tsunami waves following a significant 7.6-magnitude earthquake in the north-central area on Monday (January 1). Urgent evacuation warnings were issued as a precaution. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, addressing the nation on TV, urged citizens to heed evacuation orders diligently, emphasizing the potential for more powerful earthquakes and subsequent tsunami waves.
Understanding Tsunamis: A Brief Explanation
A tsunami is a series of ocean waves that are usually caused by the displacement of a large volume of water, such as from an undersea earthquake, volcanic eruption, or landslide. The word "tsunami" is Japanese and translates to "harbor wave," reflecting the fact that tsunamis can cause significant damage and loss of life when they reach coastal areas.
When an undersea earthquake occurs, it can generate a tsunami by moving the ocean floor and displacing a large amount of water. This displacement creates a series of waves that radiate outward from the source of the earthquake. The initial wave may not be very large, but as it approaches the shallow coastal waters, it can grow in height and become more destructive.
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