A tsunami is a wave or series of waves generated by an impulsive displacement of the water column. They are often caused by earthquakes, but can also be caused by a landslide or volcanic eruption and the first wave of a tsunami is not necessarily the most destructive.
The period of time between waves can range from 5 - 60 minutes, but usually fall between 10 - 30 minutes. They can travel about 480 miles per hour and can travel virtually unnoticed through the open ocean because the wave height may be only 12 inches high, but they can reach 100 feet or more.
For more information, read our
tsunami brochure or call the Fire Department at (831) 884-1210.