History of Tsunamis
Byron Powell
University of Phoenix
CMP 555
6/26/05
This presentation contains: text (bullets), graphics, digital images, and video clips.
Definition of Tsunami
• A tsunami is a natural phenomenon
consisting of a series of waves
generated when water in a lake or
the sea is rapidly displaced on a
massive scale.
Image from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsunami
Causes of Tsunami
• Earthquake
– A trembling or shaking of the Earth’s
surface.
• Impact Events
– Caused by the collision of meteoroids,
asteroids, or comets with Earth.
Causes of Tsunami
• Landslide
– A geological phenomenon which
includes a wide range of ground
movement, such as avalanches or
falling rock.
• Volcanic Eruption
Areas Affected by Tsunami
• Any coastal area can be affected by a
tsunami.
Image from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsunami
Tsunami Warnings
• Tsunamis cannot be prevented or
predicted with 100% accuracy, but
there are several warning signs.
– Animals sense the danger and begin to
flee.
– The sea will recede from the coast.
– A tsunami warning system can be in
place and warn of the tsunami.
Tsunami Prevention
• As stated before it is not possible to
prevent tsunamis, but several
countries have measures in place to
minimize damage. Japan has built
tsunami walls.
Image from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsunami
Tsunami History
• The most recent tsunami occurred in
December 2004, and struck many
countries bordering the Indian
Ocean.
• All continents have been hit by a
tsunami at some point in time.
Tsunami History
• Range of Indian Ocean tsunami in
2004.
Animation from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsunami
Tsunami Information
• The oldest tsunami account comes
from China.
• Nine confirmed tsunamis have struck
North America, hitting regions such
as Alaska, Hawaii, Newfoundland,
California, British Columbia, Maine,
and Puerto Rico. There are seven
other cases that could have been
tsunami.
Tsunami Information
• At least eight tsunamis have struck
South Asia. Most notably, the Indian
Ocean tsunami of 2004.
• At least one tsunami struck Portugal
in 1755.
• Most tsunamis occur in the Pacific
Ocean.
Assignments
• You will be identifying which
geographical areas are more
susceptible to tsunami and why these
areas are susceptible. You will then
conduct research on the Internet and
learn about the history of tsunamis
by using the instructional web pages
provided and the world map.
Assignments
• Once research is complete, you will
then work on designing a Web Quest
or PowerPoint and an oral
presentation and communicate your
findings to the rest of the class.
– You have only three days for research.
– You have five more school days to
complete the presentation.
Assignments
• Three additional assignments will be
assigned after the presentations.
– Word Search
– Crossword Puzzle
– Matching Worksheet
Tsunami Video
• The presentation will be concluded
with a movie of the Chilean Tsunami in
1960.
(Click to start video)
Animation from http://www.geophys.washington.edu/tsunami/general/physics/characteristics.html
References
• Tsunami Physics (n.d.). Retrieved on June 26, 2005 from
http://www.geophys.washington.edu/tsunami/general/physics/characteristics.html
• Wikipedia (2005). Retrieved on June 26, 2005 from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsunami