tsunami etymology

Etymology:

  • Japanese: 津波 (tsunami)
  • Tsu: Harbor, port, bay
  • Nami: Wave

Meaning:

Tsunami means "harbor wave" or "port wave" in Japanese. It refers to a series of large and destructive ocean waves caused by a sudden displacement of water.

Origin:

The term "tsunami" originated in Japan, where it was used to describe the devastating waves that hit the country's coastlines. The Japanese have a long history of experiencing tsunamis due to their location on the Pacific Ring of Fire.

The term spread to other languages in the 19th century, as Western explorers witnessed the destructive power of tsunamis in the Pacific Ocean and adopted the Japanese word.

Additional Information:

  • Tsunamis can be caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, underwater landslides, or meteorite impacts.
  • They can travel across entire ocean basins at speeds of up to 500 miles per hour (800 kilometers per hour).
  • When a tsunami reaches shallow waters near the coast, it slows down and builds in height, potentially reaching heights of over 100 feet (30 meters).

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