What is the Maximum High Chance of a Tsunami Occurring?

Tsunamis are strong and dangerous sea waves that can occur after an earthquake, volcanic eruption, or underwater landslide. Tsunamis can cause great damage and death, especially when they reach a maximum height. However, how likely is it that a tsunami will occur? Is there a way to predict the level of danger?

What Is a Tsunami and How Does It Happen?

Before discussing the possibility of a tsunami occurring, we need to understand what a tsunami is and how it occurs. Tsunamis are sea waves that are created by large vertical movements under the surface of the sea. This can be caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or underwater landslides. When this movement occurs, energy is transferred to the water above it, creating waves that can extend throughout the ocean.

Factors Affecting Tsunami Hazard Level

Tsunamis can be very dangerous, especially when they reach their maximum height. However, the level of danger is also influenced by other factors, such as:

1. Strength of an Earthquake or Volcanic Eruption

The tsunami hazard level is affected by the strength of the earthquake or volcanic eruption that triggers the tsunami. The stronger the strength of the earthquake or volcanic eruption, the greater the possibility of a tsunami occurring and the greater the level of danger.

2. Depth of the Center of an Earthquake or Volcanic Eruption

The depth of the epicenter of an earthquake or volcanic eruption also affects the tsunami hazard level. The deeper the depth of the center, the greater the possibility of a tsunami with a high level of danger.

3. Distance from the Coast

The distance from the coast also affects the level of tsunami hazard. The closer the coast is to the epicenter of an earthquake or eruption, the more likely a tsunami is to occur with a high degree of hazard.

4. Shape of the Sea

The shape of the sea also affects the level of tsunami hazard. In areas with underwater canyons or where the ocean depth changes suddenly, the tsunami waves will become bigger and more dangerous. Based on these factors, the height of the resulting tsunami can vary greatly. Tsunamis with lower heights, around a few metres, are usually less dangerous and can be handled easily by local people. However, a tsunami with a very large height, can reach tens of meters, can be very dangerous and destructive.

How to Predict the Likelihood of a Tsunami

While it is impossible to predict when and where a tsunami will occur, there are several ways to predict the likelihood of a tsunami occurring:

1. Tsunami Warning System

A tsunami warning system is a system used to predict the possibility of a tsunami and to provide early warning to the public. The tsunami warning system involves collecting data from earthquake sensors and changes in sea level. If there is a possibility of a tsunami, an early warning will be sent to the people in the areas that may be affected by a tsunami. This can give the community sufficient time to evacuate to a safe place.

2. Nature Observation

Natural observations can also help predict the likelihood of a tsunami. Nature observation involves observing natural signs that indicate the possibility of a tsunami, such as changes in ocean currents and volcanic activity.

How High Can a Tsunami Form?

Tsunami is one of the scary natural disasters. Maybe we still remember the earthquake and tsunami in Aceh and Japan a few years ago. The question is how high can a tsunami form? Can a tsunami form as big as Mount Everest like in a Hollywood movie? Based on historical records, many events can cause tsunamis with very high heights. However, it is difficult to know the height of past tsunamis. Therefore, for ease of understanding, we will calculate the height of the tsunami from the time of human birth. The biggest tsunamis in history didn’t happen in Indonesia, Japan, Antarctica, or Hollywood. However, the biggest tsunami occurred in Alaska, in a place not known to many. Alaska is one of the coldest places on earth, and there have been tsunamis reaching nearly 520 meters in height or higher than the Twin Towers in our neighboring state that can easily be submerged. How could the tsunami in Alasaka Lituya Bay be that big? In general, tsunamis are caused by undersea earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. The terrible tsunami in Lituya Bay was caused by an earthquake that made a giant cliff, equivalent to the weight of 600,000 whales, collapse and strike the water at breakneck speed. The same incident also occurred at the Largest Dam in Italy where a cliff also collapsed and created a tsunami that attacked human settlements with a height 2 times higher than Monas. The question now is, can this terrifying tsunami be prevented? The short answer is no. Because, if the tsunami is very large, it is almost impossible to stop it. But, with good early warning, we can save many lives. There are many methods implemented to prevent tsunamis, such as building tsunami walls, sluice gates and canals. However, nothing can completely prevent this formidable force of nature.

Conclusion

Tsunamis are natural disasters that can be very dangerous and destructive. The level of danger is affected by factors such as the strength of an earthquake or volcanic eruption, the depth of the epicenter of the earthquake or volcanic eruption, distance from the coast, and the shape of the sea. While it is impossible to predict when and where a tsunami will occur, there are ways to predict the likelihood of a tsunami occurring, such as tsunami warning systems and natural observations. Therefore, people need to always be aware of the possibility of a tsunami and follow instructions from local authorities in dealing with this disaster.