Tsunami

A tsunami is a series of water waves (called a tsunami wave train) that is caused by the displacement of a large volume of a body of water, such as an ocean. The original Japanese term literally translates as "harbor wave."

Tsunamis are a frequent occurrence in Japan; approximately 195 events have been recorded. Due to the immense volumes of water and energy involved, tsunamis can devastate coastal regions. Casualties can be high because the waves move faster than humans can run.

Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other underwater explosions (detonations ofnuclear devices at sea), landslides and other mass movements, bolide impacts, and other disturbances above or below water all have the potential to generate a tsunami.

INDIA

Marina Beach after Tsunami in Dec 26, 2004

Sri Lanka

Images from beach in Thailand

 

Australia

Formation of a tsunami

http://science.howstuffworks.com/tsunami2.htm