Tsunamis from nature to physics

Tsunamis are gravity waves that propagate near the ocean surface. They belong to the same family as common sea waves that we enjoy at the beach; however, tsunamis are distinct in their mode of generation and in their characteristic period, wavelength, and velocity. The type of tsunamis that induce widespread damage number about one or two per decade. Thus "killer tsunamis" although fearful, are a relatively rare phenomenon. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.