Why do tsunamis travel so fast across the ocean?
Quick Answer
Tsunamis are long-wavelength waves that move through the whole water column, not just the surface. In deep ocean water they can travel at jetliner speeds, often 500 to 800 km/h.
The Full Story
A tsunami is not a single breaking wave but a series of very long waves caused by sudden displacement of water, often from an undersea earthquake. Because the wavelength is huge, the wave interacts with the entire depth of the ocean and moves very efficiently. In deep water, tsunami speeds can reach about 800 km/h, roughly the cruising speed of a passenger jet. As the wave enters shallow coastal water, it slows down, grows taller, and becomes dangerous.
Key Facts
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Suggested video title for this topic:
"The ocean’s fastest disaster: why tsunamis race across seas"
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