A tsunami is a series of massive waves produced by an undersea disturbance that is typically linked to earthquakes that happen beneath or close to the ocean. With waves arriving every 5 to 60 minutes, tsunamis can strike the beach and be harmful for hours. Tsunami waves frequently resemble walls of water.
Causes of Tsunami :
1. Earthquakes
The majority of tsunami are brought on by huge earthquakes on the ocean floor when rock slabs abruptly pass one another, moving the water above them. The ensuing waves travel away from the earthquake epicentre.
2. Extraterrestrial Collision
The incidence of tsunamis brought on by alien collisions (such as those with asteroids or meteors) is extremely unusual. Although no tsunami caused by a meteor or asteroid has been observed recently, scientists are aware that if one of these celestial bodies were to collide with the ocean, a significant amount of water would definitely be displaced to generate a tsunami.
3. Landslides
Like on land, the seafloor is susceptible to landslides. Undersea landslides are more likely to occur on steep, sediment-rich seafloor regions like the edge of the continental slope. Large masses of sand, mud, and gravel may fall down the slope during an undersea landslide, maybe following a nearby earthquake. This motion will lead the water to sink, which could result in an ocean-wide tsunami.
4. Volcano eruptions
Volcanic eruptions that cause tsunamis are less frequent. They can take numerous forms like huge landslides are caused by the violent collapse of coastal, island, and undersea volcanoes. When thick combinations of hot blocks, pumice, ash, and gas called pyroclastic flows plunge down volcanic slopes into the ocean, they force water outwards. After an eruption, the caldera volcano collapses, causing the surrounding water to plunge abruptly.