Unit 4 - Restless Planet - Tsunami

Question 1

What is a tsunami?

Answer 1

Waves generated by an earthquake in the ocean floor.

Question 2

Tsunamis can do far more harm than earthquakes do. Explain why.

Answer 2

Earthquakes shake buildings and other structures, and people are killed when these collapse. Tsunami waves rush onto land with great force, and can wash away buildings, and also drown people far from buildings, and wash away crops, farm animals, and other forms of livelihood. There are some things you cand o to protect yourself from an approaching tsunami if you are in its path. (But with enough advance warning you could run uphill, or climb tot he top of a tall, strong building.)