All About Tsunamis

A tsunami is a series of generated waves that occur when an ocean or another body of water is hit on a heavy scale by an earthquake, landslide, volcanic eruption or another dramatic natural occurrence. When featuring smaller amplitudes or wave heights and very long wavelengths, tsunamis generally form a passing hump in the sea and go unnoticed.

On the other hand, tsunamis with a huge mass of water behind their initial wave fronts can easily pulverize objects and severely threaten populations. Sadly, the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami killed approximately 230,000 people.

Did you know that the sea may recede to a considerable distance or that its water may smell of rotten eggs and sting the skin prior to a tsunami? Learn more about the warning signs and common characteristics of tsunamis at LiveScience.com.

Check out our latest tsunami photos, news articles and interactive features. View our tsunami pictures for a closer look at these natural wonders. See this force in action with our real tsunami video clips. Simply get started below and learn more about tsunamis today.