Tsunami

A tsunami (pronounced soo-nah-mee or tsoo-nah-mee ) is a natural phenomenon consisting of a series of waves generated when water in a lake or the sea is rapidly displaced on a massive scale. Earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions and large meteorite impacts all have the potential to generate a tsunami. The effects of a tsunami can range from unnoticeable to devastating.

Signs of an approaching tsunami

The following have at various times been associated with a tsunamihttp://www.pmel.noaa.gov/tsunami/PNG/Upng/Davies020411/:

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• An earthquake may be felt.
• Large quantities of gas may bubble to the water surface and make the sea look as if it is boiling.
• The water in the waves may be unusually hot.
• The water may smell of rotten eggs (Hydrogen Sulphide) or of petrol or oil.
• The water may sting the skin.
• A thunderous boom may be heard followed by
• a roaring noise as of a jet plane
• or a noise akin to the perodic whoop-whoop of a helicopter,
• or a whistling sound.
• The sea may recede to a considerable distance.
• A flash of red light might be seen near the horizon.
• As the wave approaches the top of the wave may glow red.