By: Anna S and Kaiya In these paragraphs we will be talking about tsunamis.

We will cover the impact of tsunamis on the world, what causes them to start, when or where they are most common, some interesting facts on tsunamis and more. First, well explain what a tsunami is and how they start. Tsunamis are enormous waves that are caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanoes. Submarine (underwater) volcanic eruptions can cause a tsunami. The eruption has a similar effect to an earthquake, causing the ground to shake. When the plates (underwater) shake, it sends ripples up to the surface, creating a tsunami. Underwater landslides can also cause tsunamis. They occur during earthquakes or submarine volcanoes. Now, well talk about when and where tsunamis are most common. 80% of tsunamis happen in the Pacific Oceans Ring Of Fire. The Ring Of Fire is an area in the Pacific Ocean where many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. It is possible for tsunamis to happen in any ocean. Some common places where tsunamis can happen are: Hawaii, Chile, Mexico, Turkey, Japan, Indonesia, New Zealand, Peru, Alaska, Kurile Islands, Pacific North West, California, Nicaragua, Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Vanuatu, Rapa Nui, Juan Fernandez Island, Papua-New Guinea, Philippines and Marquesas Islands. The location that is most at risk of having a tsunami is Hawaii. Hawaii is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, making it more vulnerable. There is approximately 1 tsunami every year and 1 bad or very dangerous one every 7 years. Next, well go over the impact tsunamis have on the world. Because of how large the waves of a tsunami can be, they are extremely dangerous. When the current comes in, it can sweep away people, causing them to drown and die. People can also go missing. For example, in 1979 on December 12th, off of Ecuadors Pacific coast, a massive tsunami occurred just before 8 a.m. The city of Tumaco was destroyed, as well as some other small towns. Altogether there were 259 people who were dead, 798 people injured, and 95 people were never heard of again. Tsunamis also sweep in tons of debris such as wood, garbage, trees, pieces of houses, and also possibly people. The water coming in could be contaminated, causing disease to occur. Tsunamis can be as fast as 500 miles per hour, causing massive destruction when they hit shore. Also, the damage of the tsunami depends on the size of the wave. Also, we will inform you of some of the most deadly tsunamis that have been recorded. First, in Alaska a tsunami struck. The tsunami occurred after a 9.2 magnitude earthquake. The waves were recorded with heights up to 100 ft. This

tsunami was recorded as the most violent in North American history. Next, in Hokkaido, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake was followed by a tsunami with waves up to 100 ft. tall. Shortly after the earthquake happened, the small island of Okushiri was drowned in giant masses of water. The tsunami caused massive destruction on the island and left tons of debris. In this last paragraph, we will share some interesting facts we found on tsunamis. A tsunami is not only 1 wave; it is a bunch of waves called a wave train. Did you know a tsunami is also known as a killer wave or tidal wave. The word tsunami originated from the Japanese language, meaning seismic sea wave. The most deadly tsunamis are caused by earthquakes. Most tsunamis happen south of the Equator. Tsunamis can only happen in large bodies of water, such as an ocean. The wind can cause the tsunami to speed up. It is for all of these reasons that tsunamis are a great weather phenomena. The have a huge impact on the planet. The world will continue to go through this specific natural disaster. Remember, tsunamis are extremely dangerous.