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Speed,Size and Structure of a Tsunami Out in the deep ocean tsunamis are faster then the normal ocean waves. They travel at a speed of around 600 miles per hour. It is hard to tell that there is a tsunami when it occurs in the open ocean. It may only have a height of about twelve to twenty-three inches and look like a gentle rise and fall of sea surface. The distance between two waves, which looks like only two swells of water, can be 60 miles apart. Not until the wave reaches shallow water near the shore does the wave energy become a dangerous wall of water. As the tsunami reaches the shore, it forms a series of breaking waves. Reefs, bays, underground features and slopes of bleaches will change the shape of the tsunami as it approaches shore. Sometimes tsunamis may break away from the shore or form step-like waves with steep breaking fronts as they moves from deep water to shallow water. In extreme cases, the water level can rise more then 50 feet and over 100 feet for tsunamis generated nearby. The damage of the ocean can extend 1,000 feet inland and cover the land with water and debris. The flooding tsunami waves carry loose objects and can even carry people out to the sea when the waves retreat. |
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