Japan Issues Tsunami Warning! How And Why Are They Caused?

Japan Issues Tsunami Warning

Japan issued tsunami alerts on Monday after a series of strong quakes in the Sea of Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported quakes off the coast of Ishikawa and nearby prefectures shortly after 4 pm, one of them with a preliminary magnitude of 7.6.

Understanding Tsunamis

Tsunamis are characterised by extremely long wavelengths resulting from significant and sudden ocean displacement. Termed as seismic sea waves, tsunamis stand out as one of the most formidable and destructive natural forces.

Coastal Threats

Upon reaching coastal areas, tsunamis unleash dangerous flooding and potent currents that can endure for hours or even days. However, not all earthquakes lead to tsunamis.

Generating Tsunamis

Tsunamis are exclusively generated through vertical movements of the seafloor. Earthquakes remain the primary cause, but volcanic eruptions, underwater explosions, landslides, and meteorite impacts can also trigger these massive waves.

Causes Of Tsunamis

Here are the specific causes that lead to the formation of tsunamis.

Earthquake

Earthquakes, particularly those along subduction boundaries of tectonic plates in ocean trenches, are the predominant triggers of tsunamis. The scale of the tsunami correlates with the magnitude of the earthquake.

Underwater Explosions

Instances such as US nuclear testing in the 1940s and 1950s generated tsunamis in the Marshall Islands, showcasing the potential impact of underwater explosions.

Volcanic Eruptions

Volcanoes situated in coastal waters possess the capability to induce tsunamis, amplifying the array of effects associated with these natural disasters.

Landslides

Landslides triggered by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, when they converge with oceans, bays, or lakes, have the potential to generate tsunamis.

Meteorite Impacts

While historic examples are scarce, an estimated meteorite impact approximately 5 million years ago left deposits along the Gulf Coast of Mexico and the United States, suggesting the potential influence of meteorite impacts on tsunami formation.