Tsunamis: Cause and everything else you need to know
Tsunamis: What causes them and everything else you need to know
HOW ARE TSUNAMIS DETECTED?Tsunami Early Warning Systems (TEWS) have been set up in vulnerable regions. Key components include:Seismic Monitoring: Detects undersea earthquakes.DART Buoys: Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis use pressure sensors to detect water column changes.Tide Gauges: Measure sea level rise at coastlines.Satellites: Monitor and relay real-time data.Public Alert Systems: Sirens, mobile alerts, and radio broadcasts.In India, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) operates a state-of-the-art tsunami warning centre in Hyderabad.TSUNAMI FORECASTING AND MODELLINGOnce a potential tsunami is detected:1. Location and depth of the seismic event are analysed.2. Models simulate how waves will propagate.3. Coastal communities receive warnings and evacuation alerts.advertisementHowever, tsunamis cannot be predicted in advance. Scientists can only issue alerts after a triggering event has occurred.WHAT TO DO DURING A TSUNAMI?BeforeKnow your evacuation routes.Sign up for local alerts.Prepare an emergency kit.DuringMove to higher ground immediately.Stay away from beaches and rivers.Don't wait for official warnings if you feel a strong earthquake near the coast, natural warning signs include:EarthquakesUnusual sea withdrawalRoaring ocean soundAfterStay tuned to official updates.Avoid debris-laden water.Help others if you can, and follow rescue team instructions.MOST AFFECTED REGIONSTsunamis are most frequent around the Pacific Ocean's 'Ring of Fire,' a seismically active zone. However, other regions including the Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, and parts of the Atlantic are also vulnerable.MAJOR HISTORIC TSUNAMIS2004 Indian Ocean – Over 230,000 lives lost2011 Japan (Tohoku) – Triggered a nuclear disaster at FukushimaARE TSUNAMIS GETTING MORE DANGEROUS?With climate change and rising sea levels, coastal vulnerabilities are increasing. While tsunamis themselves are not climate-driven, their impact is worsened by:Coastal urbanisationCoral reef destructionWetland loss- Ends
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