A tsunami, in general, travels much slower than it travels in the ocean. The leading cause for tsunamis to travel slower on land than in the ocean is the shallow water depth. However, the friction between the water and the ground is also a primary cause for tsunamis to travel slower.
How fast does a tsunami travel on land? Tsunamis travel 20 to 30 miles per hour, converting into kilometers; it will stand up to 30 to 50 kilometers per hour on land. But it does not mean they cannot travel much faster than the specified speed. The actual traveling speed of a tsunami depends on the slope of the ground and the amount of debris in its path.
HOW BIG ARE TSUNAMIS AND HOW FAST DO THEY TRAVEL?
The size and force of a tsunami rely on multiple occurrences, for instance, the power of an earthquake, location, force, etc. According to history, the tallest tsunami ever recorded was the Lituya Bay Megatsunami, which occurred in Alaska on July 9, 1958, and traveled up the bay at speeds of over 200 miles per hour (320 kilometers per hour) while destroying everything in its path… It had a run-up height of 1,720 feet (524 meters) on the east shore of Lituya Bay.
When studying the MegaTsunami, it was discovered that the tsunami was caused by a massive landslide that displaced 30 million cubic yards (23 million cubic meters) of rock. The landslide fell into Gilbert Inlet, a narrow arm of Lituya Bay. It generated a wave over 1,000 feet (300 meters) tall.
The wave traveled up the bay at over 200 miles per hour (320 kilometers per hour) and destroyed everything in its path.
The tsunami that hit Indonesia 2004 traveled up to 400 miles per hour, which would stand approximately 600 kilometers per hour in some areas. It was solely because the tsunami was generated by a massive earthquake that caused a large underwater landslide. The landslide displaced a large amount of water, which created a mighty tsunami.
TSUNAMI RISKED ZONE
Tsunami risk zones are areas at risk of being hit by a tsunami. Suppose the location where you are living has already suffered a Tsunami previously. In that case, there is a good chance that the place is a “Tsunami Risked Zone.” There’s no saying when your area might get destroyed by a tsunami.
These zones are typically located along coastlines and near subduction zones, where tectonic plates meet and one plate slides underneath the other, creating earthquakes and tsunamis.
Tsunami Risk Zones In The World
The following are some of the most tsunami-prone regions in the world:
- The Pacific Ocean.
- The Indian Ocean.
- The Caribbean Sea.
- The Mediterranean Sea.
Within these regions, there are specific areas that are at higher risk of being hit by a tsunami. These areas include:
- Coastal areas with shallow water depths.
- Areas with narrow bays and inlets.
- Areas with steep slopes that rise quickly from the coastline.
- Areas with a history of tsunamis.
If you live in a tsunami risk zone, it is important to be aware of the signs of a tsunami and to know what to do if one occurs. The signs of a tsunami can include:
- A sudden recession of the ocean.
- A loud roaring sound.
- A strong earthquake.
If you see any of these signs, evacuate to higher ground immediately. Do not wait for an official warning. If you wait for official warning, there is a possibility that you will run out of time.
FEW WORDS
Tsunamis are powerful and destructive natural disasters. However, by being prepared and knowing what to do, you can stay safe.
