Tsunamis can start from anything that suddenly displaces the seafloor, causing water to compensate for it (Kusky, 2008, p.1). Tsunamis can also be referred to as seismic sea waves. Two tsunamis occur per year around the world, and one very destructive one every 15 years, on average (Department of Homeland Security, n.d.). One specific tsunami happened in the Pacific Ocean near Chile on September 16, 2015. A tsunami can cause massive damage, wreak havoc, and ruin anything it gets near. Some do not know that tsunamis have many causes, not just earthquakes. Normally, though, it will be an earthquake, landslide, or volcanic eruption that occurs minutes before the tsunami arrives (NTHMP, n.d.). One can also be caused by the movement of
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A tsunami occurred recently along the coastline of Chile on September 16, 2015. The magnitude of the earthquake beforehand was an 8.3, a very high marking on the Richter scale. Fortunately, no damage was reported from the tsunami in Chile (The Weather Channel, 2015). The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that a 31 inch high wave had been seen off the coast of Iwate, a district of Japan, and ultimately got to be 1.3 feet high (The Weather Channel, 2015). Usually, Tsunamis will corrode bridges and seawalls. Similarly, debris caused by the tsunami can become projectiles at remaining buildings, power lines, and could possibly start fires (ITIC, n.d.). With fires, receding water can cause flooding and drinking water contamination (Department of Homeland Security, n.d.). Fortunately, because of no damage being reported, there was no cost for the damage. However, at least 12 people were reported killed during the earthquake preceding the tsunami. Sadly, once the first wave hit Chile, the wave struck the Japanese coast and spread to the rest of the coast (The Weather Channel, …show more content…
For instance, the National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) serves the majority of the U.S., and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) aids the rest of the U.S. In addition to those, the International Tsunami Warning System (ITWS) has a system of monitored buoys, and warnings are issued when the mechanisms detect an earthquake or a potential tsunami (NTHMP, n.d). These Tsunami Warning Systems rely on seismic calculations because it can detect the earthquake quicker than the tsunami, since seismic waves travel around 100 times faster than that of a tsunami (NOAA, 2010) Although, a tsunami that starts near shore could arrive within minutes, before there is a chance for a warning to be issued (Department of Homeland Security, n.d.). The USGS National Earthquake Information Center has the most accurate information on earthquakes in the case of an emergency (NOAA, 2010). With that, preparing in advance is another sufficient way to be safe. Namely, planning evacuation routes to safe places. If possible, these places should be 100 feet above sea level or higher. Secondly, it is wise to find out if regularly visited places have a tsunami hazard area (NTHMP, n.d.).This information can be attained from a local official (NOAA, 2010). Certain areas have a higher risk factor if they are 25 feet or less above sea level, or within a mile of
A tsunami occurred recently along the coastline of Chile on September 16, 2015. The magnitude of the earthquake beforehand was an 8.3, a very high marking on the Richter scale. Fortunately, no damage was reported from the tsunami in Chile (The Weather Channel, 2015). The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that a 31 inch high wave had been seen off the coast of Iwate, a district of Japan, and ultimately got to be 1.3 feet high (The Weather Channel, 2015). Usually, Tsunamis will corrode bridges and seawalls. Similarly, debris caused by the tsunami can become projectiles at remaining buildings, power lines, and could possibly start fires (ITIC, n.d.). With fires, receding water can cause flooding and drinking water contamination (Department of Homeland Security, n.d.). Fortunately, because of no damage being reported, there was no cost for the damage. However, at least 12 people were reported killed during the earthquake preceding the tsunami. Sadly, once the first wave hit Chile, the wave struck the Japanese coast and spread to the rest of the coast (The Weather Channel, …show more content…
For instance, the National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) serves the majority of the U.S., and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) aids the rest of the U.S. In addition to those, the International Tsunami Warning System (ITWS) has a system of monitored buoys, and warnings are issued when the mechanisms detect an earthquake or a potential tsunami (NTHMP, n.d). These Tsunami Warning Systems rely on seismic calculations because it can detect the earthquake quicker than the tsunami, since seismic waves travel around 100 times faster than that of a tsunami (NOAA, 2010) Although, a tsunami that starts near shore could arrive within minutes, before there is a chance for a warning to be issued (Department of Homeland Security, n.d.). The USGS National Earthquake Information Center has the most accurate information on earthquakes in the case of an emergency (NOAA, 2010). With that, preparing in advance is another sufficient way to be safe. Namely, planning evacuation routes to safe places. If possible, these places should be 100 feet above sea level or higher. Secondly, it is wise to find out if regularly visited places have a tsunami hazard area (NTHMP, n.d.).This information can be attained from a local official (NOAA, 2010). Certain areas have a higher risk factor if they are 25 feet or less above sea level, or within a mile of