Tsunamis

Still from an animation show how seafloor features influenced the March 11 japan tsunami.
An image from an animation using satellite observations of the March 11 tsunami that shows how the waves of the tsunami were influenced by seafloor features. Wave peaks appear in red-brown, depressions in blue-green and ocean floor topography is outlined in gray. (Image credit: NASA/Jesse Allen, using data provided by Tony Song (NASA/JPL))

Tsunamis are a series of massive waves that ripple out from the earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide or underwater detonation that caused them. These huge waves can travel thousands of miles across ocean basins. While out at sea, wave heights are small, but as a tsunami approaches shore, the rise of the continental slope means water levels are shallower, and the wave begins to narrow and become higher. Read below for the latest news on tsunamis and tsunami research.

Latest about Tsunami

the tonga eruption, with a mushroom formation, as seen from space

1st mega-tsunami on record since antiquity was triggered by Tonga volcanic eruption

By Charles Q. Choi published

The eruption was the most powerful natural explosion in over a century, triggering a tsunami hundreds of feet high.

Tsunami
The 8.1-magnitude earthquake occurred at 8:28 a.m. local time near New Zealand's Kermadec Islands.

Powerful 8.1-magnitude earthquake off New Zealand triggers tsunami warnings

By Rachael Rettner last updated

The powerful earthquake occurred at 8:28 a.m. local time near New Zealand's Kermadec Islands.

Tsunami
A magnitude-7.3 earthquake just hit Fukushima, with damaged pavement blocks on the ground in front of JR Fukushima Station, shown here on March 17, 2022.

Magnitude-7.3 earthquake strikes Fukushima, tsunami warning issued

By Ben Turner published

A tsunami warning has been issued for Fukushima after a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the east coast of Japan, according to Japanese government officials.

Tsunami
An aerial view of damage to Sukuiso, Japan, a week after the earthquake and subsequent tsunami devastated the area in March, 2011. Also this isn't likely to happen on the East Coast, it's not inconceivable.

Japan earthquake & tsunami of 2011: Facts and information

By Becky Oskin published

Facts and information about the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan.

Tsunami
From its origin point in the South Atlantic, the 2021 tsunami sent ripples all over the world.

'Invisible' earthquake caused mysterious 2021 tsunami, scientists find

By Ben Turner published

Scientists argue that we need to build better monitoring systems to spot earthquakes of this type.

Tsunami
NOAA's GOES West satellite captured the explosive eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano, located in the South Pacific Kingdom of Tonga.

4-foot tsunami hits Tonga after explosive eruption of underwater volcano

By Jeanna Bryner published

A tsunami triggered by the explosive eruption of the underwater Tonga volcano in the Pacific Ocean slammed the shoreline of the Pacific nation Saturday (Jan. 15).

Tsunami
Doggerland once covered a vast swath of land between what is now the east coast of England and the European mainland.

Lost islands beneath the North Sea survived a mega-tsunami 8,000 years ago

By Tom Metcalfe published

Some ancient islands now submerged beneath the North Sea survived a devastating tsunami about 8,000 years ago and may have played a key part in Britain's human prehistory.

Tsunami
Cascade, Barry and Coxe glaciers, Prince William Sound, Alaska

Ice melt in Alaska threatens to unleash unprecedented 'mega-tsunami,' scientists warn

By Peter Dockrill published

Tsunami
Asteroid hitting Earth

Dinosaur-Killing Asteroid Triggered Mile-High Tsunami That Spread Through Earth's Oceans

By Laura Geggel published

Tsunami
In this aerial image, self-defense force members extinguish fire in debris after the tsunami triggered by the magnitude-7.8 earthquake hit Okushiri Island on July 13, 1993.

The Weird Reason 'Tsunami Fires' Broke Out After Japan Earthquake

By Mindy Weisberger published

Here's why the ocean appeared white and bubbling after a tsunami hit Okushiri Island.

Tsunami
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