What is a tsamot: definition and its characteristics

We start this article defining what a tsamot and its characteristics are. In summary, a tsamot is characterized by:

• Be a Seismic movement: These are violent and rapid movements or tremors that are produced by the clash of tectonic plates and the consequent release of energy that takes place when the materials of the earth’s crust are reorganized.
• It has its epicenter in the back of the sea: That is, a tsunamot is the same phenomenon as an earthquake, with the difference that tsamot originates in the seabed instead of on the earth’s surface.
• It causes an impetuous Water agitation: As a result, gigantic waves originate that are known as tsunamis. Sometimes, Maremoto and Tsunami are understood as synonyms, although it is not entirely correct.

We continue this article talking about what is the cause of tsamot. As in earthquakes, the cause is in The movements They originate Below the earth’s crustof the tectonic plates. These displacements make the tectonic plaques shock, face and change their shape, which generates friction whose energy will be transmitted in the form of tremor or vibration, in the case of tsarmotes, to the waters.

As a consequence, they are formed Waves of a spectacular size that can reach 40 meters high When they reach the mainland, although, on the high seas, the waves could almost not be perceived. This phenomenon is called Tsunami.

While more than 70% of tsunamis are due to seismic movements (by tidal or also earthquakes close to the sea), tsunamis can also be generated from other phenomena, such as: such as:

• The eruption of a volcano at the bottom of the sea.
• The impact of a meteorite of sufficient size on the sea.
• Underwater detonations.
• Glaciers ice detachments.
• Land landslides.

On the other hand, it is also necessary to clarify that Not all seismic movements that are produced in the seabed They produce tsunamotosbut only those who have sufficient intensity or magnitude and who are also at an adequate depth (at greater depth the energy that transmitted will be larger).

The region of the planet that is most affected by the tsamot is the Pacific Ocean, since it is here where the most active submarine area of ​​Ladies is, which is called “The Pacific Fire Belt“As it could not be otherwise, it is in this ocean where the alert system is more effective.

You may be interested in reading more about the Pacific Fire belt to have more information on the subject.

The consequences of a tsunami can become so serious that well deserved they can have the rating of terrifying. As we have already mentioned, tsunamotes generate tsunamis and it is in them where the greatest destructive capacity is. The fast, energetic and huge waves of the tsunamis can reach destroy villages integers located in coastal regions.

The death of people It can be produced by the blows of the waves and by the rubble of the buildings that you are dragging with them. In addition, after a disaster of these characteristics, diseases may arise due to food failure and Potable water pollution.

On the other hand, the Fauna and flora of ocean funds It can also be affected, like ocean currents, which can change their distribution temporarily or permanently. This destructive capacity has been more than demonstrated throughout history in the populations of coastal regions of the Pacific, but have also occurred along the coast of other oceans.

Is a tsunami and tsunami the same? As we had commented at the beginning, sometimes both concepts are used as if they were synonyms, however they are not. The difference between tsunami and tsunami lies in that:

• A tsunamot: It can be defined as an earthquake that has its epicenter located in the seabed, a tsunami refers to the wave or waves produced by said tsunami (or other reasons).
• A tsunami: It is, therefore, a consequence of the tsarmotos, as well as other phenomena that we have also mentioned: a meteorite, the eruption of an underwater volcano, etc. Do not hesitate to take a look at the next article on how tsunamis forms, here.

Finally, we leave you some of the places where several of the worst tsunamis have taken place.

• Indian ocean: It was in 2004 when an earthquake of 9.3 degrees on the Richter scale generated a tsunami that caused around 227,000 deaths. Material and environmental damages caused hundreds of thousands of people to migrate.
• Japan: In 2011, a Tsunami of just a few minutes took place caused the death of almost 20,000 people. In addition, this natural disaster gave rise to another nuclear catastrophe in the well -known Nuclear Power Plant of Fukushima Daiichi, so that thousands of residents were affected by a radioactive discharge and had to be evacuated.
• Valdivia (Chile): It happened in 1960 and this tsunami generated waves up to 25 meters high. There were many people who ended without a home and there were almost 2,000 dead.
• Messina (Italy): It took place in 1908 and has been the largest tsunami in Europe. He killed no less than 123,000 people. Most of the structures had damage impossible to repair.
• Gulf Moor (Philippines): It was in 1976 when a tsunami born in the Sea of ​​Celebes swept the lives of more than 5,000 people. In addition, there was a replica a few hours later, which added more damage.

You may be interested in taking a look at the next ecology article Verde on the types of natural disasters that exist.

If you want to read more articles similar to What is a tsamot: definition and its characteristicswe recommend that you enter our category of meteorological phenomena.