Science Common Sense

961 - What causes tsunamis, and why are they so dangerous?

Imagine a really big wave in the ocean. That's what a tsunami is, but it's not just any wave. It's a huge wave caused by a big earthquake or a volcanic eruption under the sea.

When an earthquake happens under the sea, it can push up the water above it and create a giant wave. This wave can travel really fast, sometimes up to 500 miles per hour, which is almost as fast as a plane.

Tsunamis are so dangerous because they can cause a lot of damage and hurt people when they reach the land. The wave can be as tall as a building and can flood entire cities, destroying houses, buildings, and infrastructure. They can also sweep people away and cause a lot of loss of life.

That's why it's really important to have warning systems in place to detect tsunamis early, so people can evacuate and get to safety before the wave hits.