How a massive quake off Russia sent tsunami waves across the Pacific

Tsunami Causes and Characteristics - Tsunamis are triggered by sudden, large-scale ocean displacement, often from earthquakes [2] - Tsunami waves can travel at speeds exceeding 500 mph (approximately 805 km/h) in the open ocean [2] - Wave height can increase dramatically in shallower waters, potentially surpassing 100 ft (approximately 30 meters) [3] Impact and Consequences - Tsunamis can cause devastating flooding in coastal areas, destroying infrastructure [3] - Floodwaters can persist for days, posing drowning risks and pulling victims out to sea [4] - The 2004 Indonesian tsunami resulted in approximately 230,000 fatalities [4] - The 2011 Tohoku tsunami, triggered by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake, caused nearly 20,000 deaths and a nuclear disaster [5] Detection and Warning Systems - NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) operates DART, a high-tech system for tsunami tracking and warning [6] - DART utilizes tsunameters on the ocean floor and surface buoys to monitor water pressure changes [6] - NOAA issues four levels of alerts, with the highest level (warning) indicating imminent or ongoing impact, requiring immediate evacuation to higher ground [7] Safety Measures - During a tsunami warning, individuals should immediately evacuate to higher ground [7][8]