why is a tsunami hazardous?

why is a tsunami hazardous?

1. triggered by earthquakes

   • crust shifting is the primary effect
   • displacement of water is the secondary effect

2. tsunamis are much larger and faster while rapidly approaching the coast

3. as they near land they slow down and reduce in length while getting taller

4. tohoku tsunami in japan

   • 2011
     • 9.0 on richter scale
     • 30 minutes
       • 40m high
     • 9 more waves
       • up to 10m tall
   • 2004
     • 9.3 on richter scale
     • 25m high
   • destructive plate margin
   • effects
     • 20,000 deaths
     • destroyed tsunami defences
     • 500km squared of coastal planes were destroyed
     • ruined farmlands
     • ruptured gas lines - fires
     • no electricity
     • explosions in fukishima nuclear power plant
   • responses
     • 100,000 soldiers - search and rescue
     • exclusion zone
     • long term
       • rebuilding
       • roads/railways
       • new tsunami defences