Recognizing a Tsunami
Tsunami is Japanese for "harbor wave" and describes the series of waves commonly caused by an earthquake or seismic event.
What does a tsunami look like when it arrives at the coast? Look at these pictures and decide which are photos of tsunamis and which are photos of other types of waves.
Question 1
Is this a tsunami? (Choose the best answer.)
The correct answer is b).
No. This is a large breaking wave that's a part of regular ocean swell. Although tsunamis sometimes create large breaking waves, more often they appear in other forms.
Question 2
Is this a tsunami? (Choose the best answer.)
The correct answer is a).
Yes. This is an unusual sudden retreat of water from the shore that can accompany tsunamis.
Question 3
Is this a tsunami? (Choose the best answer.)
The correct answer is a).
Yes. This is a strong current pushing a river upstream caused by a tsunami.
Question 4
Is this a tsunami? (Choose the best answer.)
The correct answer is b).
No. This is a regular ocean wave crashing on the rocks. The waves around it show no sign of a tsunami.
Question 5
Is this a tsunami? (Choose the best answer.)
The correct answer is a).
Yes. These surging waves are common in tsunamis.
Question 6
Is this a tsunami? (Choose the best answer.)
The correct answer is b).
No. This is high ocean swell at sea, but not a sign of a tsunami.
Question 7
Is this a tsunami? (Choose the best answer.)
The correct answer is b).
No. These are regular short-wavelength ocean waves. However, a tsunami might look like this at sea, with short wavelength waves rippling on top of it.
Question 8
Is this a tsunami? (Choose the best answer.)
The correct answer is a).
Yes. This effect, in which water rises very rapidly, often occurs in a tsunami.
Question 9
Is this a tsunami? (Choose the best answer.)
The correct answer is a).
Yes. This wave produced by water surging up a river against a current is called a bore, and tsunamis can produce them.