John Cletheroe's
USA and Canada Holiday Hints

Safety Considerations for a US/Canadian Holiday - Tsunami (Tidal Waves)

A tsunami (pronounced something like "zoonarmy") is a tidal wave, caused by an undersea earthquake, landslide or volcanic eruption.

Such waves can travel at up to 500 miles per hour and reach heights of up to 50 feet by the time they reach a coast.

The word tsunami is Japanese, from tsu (harbour) and nami (wave), reflecting the fact that these tidal waves are not uncommon on the Pacific Rim.

On the Oregon and Washington State coast there are road signs indicating tsunami escape routes heading inland. I don't have any information on how much warning, if any, would precede a tsunami. Nor do I have any information regarding how common they are.

Strictly speaking the term "tidal wave" is incorrect, since tsunami are not caused by tides.

Safety

Home | States/Provinces | Subjects

About this personal web site JohnCletheroe

EMail me

Most recently modified 22-Sep-05