A tsunami is a series of sea waves caused by underwater earthquakes, landslides or volcanoes.

Sometimes referred to as "great sea waves." Tsunami can travel at speeds up to 450 miles perhour and waves range in height from a harmless few inches to 100 feet. A magnitude-7 quake generated the deadly and destructive 23-foot high wave that swamped Papua New Guinea's northern coast July 17, 1998.

The worst tsunami on record followed the Aug. 27, 1883, eruption of Krakatau volcano in the East Indies. Its 100-foot waves killed more than 36,000 people on the coasts of Java and Sumatra.

On April, 1 1946, and earthquake in the Aleutian Islands sent a wave ashore on Unimak Island, Alaska, that killed five. Hours later, it reached Hawaii, where it killed 159 people.

More recently, a July 12, 1993, quake under the sea of Japan spawned waves up to 100 feet. About 200 people died.

Tsunami can occur anywhere, but are most common in the Pacific Ocean. Use of the Japanese name for waves reflect the fact that Japan has been the most affected country, with more than 100,000 deaths recorded in about 250 tsunamis over the centuries.

(Associated Press)

- Tsunami Links
- Tsunami: The Great Waves
- Tsunami Research
- Tsunami Survey Photographs
- USA TODAY Ocean Weather Page
- U.S. Geological Survey
- Tsunami FAQ
- Tsunami Information Resource
- Federal Emergency Management Agency Tsunami Factsheet
- International Tsunami Information Center
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association Tsunami Program

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