Explain how a tsunami is formed.

At a tectonic plate boundary, a earthquake occurs. This causes a large release of pressure and a tectonic plate to jolt upwards, causing a water displacement column. As a result, waves with a low frequency, low amplitude and a long wavelength ripple out in all directions. As these waves begin to get closer to the shoreline, friction with the sea bed begins to increase causing the wave to slow down. Whilst friction levels increase, the wave length shortens, the wave amplitude increases. Eventually the wave gets to such a height it breaks, thus causing a fully formed tsunami.

Answered by James F. Geography tutor

13724 Views

See similar Geography A Level tutors

Related Geography A Level answers

All answers ▸

Discuss possible reasons for separatism


Describe how a tourist resort can be sustainable.


Assess the sustainability of dams as a water management strategy


Using named examples, assess the effectiveness of technological leapfrogging in contributing to the development process


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences