Tsunamis:

A Comprehension
Activity

©2023AmysLearningLighthouse
 Tsunamis – Nature’s Powerful Waves
How Tsunamis Occur
Tsunamis are not your typical ocean waves. These massive, long ocean waves
are born from underwater disturbances. Most tsunamis initiate due to the
following phenomena:
• Underwater Earthquakes: The majority of tsunamis originate from
underwater earthquakes. When Earth's tectonic plates suddenly shift or
collide, they release an enormous amount of energy. This energy travels
through the water, generating powerful waves on the ocean's surface.
• Volcanic Eruptions: Sometimes, tsunamis are triggered by volcanic
eruptions. When a volcano erupts beneath the sea, it displaces water, leading
to the formation of tsunami waves.
• Landslides: Large landslides, whether on land or beneath the sea, can
displace water and create tsunamis.

Changing the Landscape

Tsunamis possess an extraordinary ability to transform coastlines and
landscapes. When a tsunami strikes, it can:
• Erode beaches and relocate massive amounts of sand.
• Flood low-lying areas, submerging houses and buildings.
• Uproot trees and other vegetation.
• Drag debris and sediments into the ocean, significantly impacting marine
life and ecosystems.

Predicting Tsunamis
Effective tsunami prediction is a result of scientific efforts and technological
advancements. Scientists employ a variety of tools and methods to predict
tsunamis:
• Seismometers: These instruments detect underwater earthquakes that
may lead to tsunamis. By monitoring seismic activity, scientists can issue
timely warnings.
• Buoys: Floating devices equipped with sensors to measure changes in
sea level and water pressure. When unusual changes occur, these buoys send
signals that help predict tsunami waves.
• Computer Models: Scientists use computer models to simulate and
predict tsunami scenarios. By inputting data from seismometers and buoys,
they can generate predictions about the tsunami's path and impact.

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Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
The global nature of tsunamis demands collaboration among scientists and the
sharing of knowledge. Tsunamis can affect multiple regions simultaneously,
which is why it's crucial for scientists to work together. Collaborative efforts
lead to faster warnings, better disaster preparedness, and ultimately, the
protection of lives and communities.

Individual Heroes: Dr. Laura Kong

Dr. Laura Kong has made significant contributions to the field of tsunami
research and mitigation. As the Director of the International Tsunami
Information Center (ITIC), she has played a crucial role in enhancing global
tsunami warning systems and promoting community preparedness. Dr. Kong
has worked tirelessly to strengthen international cooperation in the face of
this natural disaster, fostering partnerships among countries to share
information and resources. Her dedication to public safety and education has
been instrumental in raising awareness about tsunamis and implementing
measures to reduce the impact of these powerful oceanic events on coastal
communities. Dr. Kong's commitment to making the world safer from
tsunamis has left an indelible mark on the field, emphasizing the importance
of collaboration and proactive measures.

Tsunamis are remarkable natural phenomena that underscore the immense

power of our planet. Through dedicated research, collaborative work among
scientists, and the heroic efforts of individuals like Dr. Tad Murty, we can
better comprehend tsunamis, enhance our preparedness, and safeguard
communities from their devastating effects. Dr. Murty's contributions have
been instrumental in this ongoing effort, making the world a safer place for
those at risk of tsunami events.

©2023AmysLearningLighthouse
Worksheet: Tsunamis Name:
Instructions: Read the article about tsunamis carefully, and then answer the
questions below.
1. How do most tsunamis start?

2. What are tsunamis known for in terms of their impact on coastlines?

3. How do scientists predict tsunamis?

4. Why is it important for scientists to work collaboratively and share their

knowledge about tsunamis?

5. What is Dr. Laura Kong's role as the Director of the International Tsunami
Information Center (ITIC), and how has she contributed to global efforts in
tsunami research and mitigation?

©2023AmysLearningLighthouse
ANSWER KEY
Worksheet: Tsunamis
Instructions: Read the article about tsunamis carefully, and then answer the
questions below.
1. How do most tsunamis start?
Answer: Most tsunamis start with underwater earthquakes. These
earthquakes happen beneath the ocean's surface when tectonic plates move
or collide.
2. What are tsunamis known for in terms of their impact on coastlines?
Answer: Tsunamis are known for changing the landscape of coastlines. When
they strike, they can erode beaches, flood low-lying areas, uproot trees, and
drag debris into the ocean.
3. How do scientists predict tsunamis?
Answer: Scientists predict tsunamis by using a combination of methods,
including seismometers to detect underwater earthquakes, buoys to measure
sea level changes and water pressure, and computer models to simulate and
predict tsunami scenarios.
4. Why is it important for scientists to work collaboratively and share their
knowledge about tsunamis?
Answer: It is important for scientists to work collaboratively and share their
knowledge about tsunamis because tsunamis can affect many regions. By
sharing information and working together, scientists can provide faster
warnings and improve disaster preparedness, ultimately helping to save lives.
5. What is Dr. Laura Kong's role as the Director of the International
Tsunami Information Center (ITIC), and how has she contributed to
global efforts in tsunami research and mitigation?
Answer: Dr. Laura Kong serves as the Director of the International Tsunami
Information Center (ITIC), where she has played a crucial role in enhancing
global tsunami warning systems and promoting community preparedness. Her
contributions include strengthening international cooperation, fostering
partnerships among countries, and raising awareness about tsunamis to
reduce their impact on coastal communities.

©2023AmysLearningLighthouse
 Tsunamis:

A Crossword

©2023AmysLearningLighthouse
 T sunamis - Nat ur e's Power f ul Waves

Acr oss Down

2. Lar ge landslides, whet her on land or beneat h t he sea, 1. Dr . Tad Mur t y is known f or his signif icant
can displace wat er and cr eat e _______________. cont r ibut ions in t he f ield of t sunami
4. Tsunamis of t en st ar t wit h under wat er _______________ and _________________,
_______________. including ear ly war ning syst ems and engineer ing
solut ions.
5. The major it y of t sunamis or iginat e f r om under wat er
_______________. 3. Float ing devices equipped wit h sensor s t hat measur e
changes in sea level and wat er pr essur e.
6. The global nat ur e of t sunamis demands collabor at ion
among _______________ and t he shar ing of 7. These devices det ect under wat er ear t hquakes t hat
knowledge. may lead t o t sunamis.
9. A t ool used t o simulat e and pr edict t sunami 8. The ener gy r eleased f r om under wat er dist ur bances
scenar ios. t r avels t hr ough t he wat er , gener at ing power f ul
_______________ on t he ocean's sur f ace.
10. Tsunamis can signif icant ly change t hese coast al
ar eas, including er osion.

©2023AmysLearningLighthouse
 T sunamis - Nat ur e's Power f ul Waves

Acr oss Down

2. Lar ge landslides, whet her on land or beneat h t he 1. Dr . Tad Mur t y is known f or his signif icant
sea, can displace wat er and cr eat e cont r ibut ions in t he f ield of t sunami
_______________. _______________ and _________________,
4. Tsunamis of t en st ar t wit h under wat er including ear ly war ning syst ems and engineer ing
_______________. solut ions.
5. The major it y of t sunamis or iginat e f r om under wat er 3. Float ing devices equipped wit h sensor s t hat measur e
_______________. changes in sea level and wat er pr essur e.
6. The global nat ur e of t sunamis demands collabor at ion 7. These devices det ect under wat er ear t hquakes t hat
among _______________ and t he shar ing of may lead t o t sunamis.
knowledge. 8. The ener gy r eleased f r om under wat er dist ur bances
9. A t ool used t o simulat e and pr edict t sunami t r avels t hr ough t he wat er , gener at ing power f ul
scenar ios. _______________ on t he ocean's sur f ace.
10. Tsunamis can signif icant ly change t hese coast al
ar eas, including er osion.

Wor d Bank

Buoys • Coast lines • Comput er Models • Dist ur bances • Ear t hquakes • Pr event ionManagement • Scient ist s •
Seismomet er s • Tsunamis • Waves

©2023AmysLearningLighthouse
 Answer Key: T sunamis - Nat ur e's Power f ul Waves

Acr oss Down

2. Lar ge landslides, whet her on land or beneat h t he sea, 1. Dr . Tad Mur t y is known f or his signif icant
can displace wat er and cr eat e _______________. cont r ibut ions in t he f ield of t sunami
4. Tsunamis of t en st ar t wit h under wat er _______________ and _________________,
_______________. including ear ly war ning syst ems and engineer ing
solut ions.
5. The major it y of t sunamis or iginat e f r om under wat er
_______________. 3. Float ing devices equipped wit h sensor s t hat measur e
changes in sea level and wat er pr essur e.
6. The global nat ur e of t sunamis demands collabor at ion
among _______________ and t he shar ing of 7. These devices det ect under wat er ear t hquakes t hat
knowledge. may lead t o t sunamis.
9. A t ool used t o simulat e and pr edict t sunami 8. The ener gy r eleased f r om under wat er dist ur bances
scenar ios. t r avels t hr ough t he wat er , gener at ing power f ul
_______________ on t he ocean's sur f ace.
10. Tsunamis can signif icant ly change t hese coast al
ar eas, including er osion.

©2023AmysLearningLighthouse
 Tsunamis:

A Word Search

©2023AmysLearningLighthouse
 Tsunamis – Nature’s Powerful Waves

Word Bank
Tsunami Landslide
Seismic Buoy
Earthquake Seismometer
Underwater Warning
Ocean Preparedness
Waves Collaboration
Tectonic Dr. Tad Murty
Plates Disaster
Volcanic Prevention
Erosion Impact

©2023AmysLearningLighthouse
 Answer Key: Tsunamis – Nature’s Powerful Waves

Word Bank
Tsunami Landslide
Seismic Buoy
Earthquake Seismometer
Underwater Warning
Ocean Preparedness
Waves Collaboration
Tectonic Dr. Tad Murty
Plates Disaster
Volcanic Prevention
Erosion Impact

©2023AmysLearningLighthouse
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