Tsunamis

What does the wind and earthquakes have to do with giant waves? 

Waves are everywhere. The ocean is filled with waves of all shapes and sizes. They dance on the ocean’s surface. Most of the time, they cause no danger. When the wind blows, the winds energy moves the water. The water’s waves carry the energy.

Wind is not the only reason for waves. Earthquakes can cause waves in the ocean. Some of these waves can be very large. These waves are called tsunamis.  

Even when tsunamis are created, they are hard to detect. A ship at sea would not notice the wave pass. The wave only gains height as it comes into shallow water. It is there it grows to great height.

Tsunamis can come with no warning. That is why they are so dangerous. Scientist can detect the earthquake. What they do not know is if a tsunami was created. Only certain types of earthquakes cause waves. Tsunamis are caused when the sea floor is pushed. It is like the ripples caused when a stone is dropped into a pool of water.

Scientists want to learn more about tsunamis. They place special buoys out in the ocean. Buoys are big floats that hold scientific tools. They can detect very small changes in the waves. This data can tell scientists if a tsunami is coming.

Unlike a big storm, tsunamis come quickly. They come without warning. Tsunamis move fast. They can travel faster than a plane. At these speeds, people do not have much time to prepare. They can do a lot of damage. Scientists need a way to give people warning. Why would it be important to have special buoys all over the oceans?

Some things on Earth happen slowly. Tsunamis are not like that. They cause sudden changes. Scientists want to learn more about tsunamis to keep people safe.