Volcanic Hazards » Tsunami

Tsunami is a Japanese word meaning "harbor wave." A tsunami is a wave or series of waves generated by a sudden disturbance that displaces water. While volcanic eruptions rarely cause tsunamis, eruptions may trigger earthquakes and landslides in coastal regions as well as submarine landslides that could generate tsunamis. For example, the 1883 eruption of Krakatau created a tsunami that killed an estimated 30,000 people. Visit COMET's "Tsunamis" module to learn more about this hazard.

Hilo, Hawaii. Aerial view showing extent of innudation in area of Hilo Electric Company resulting from first wave as secondary wave approaches the area.
The first wave of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami hits Ao Nang, Thailand.