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A tsunami is a series of waves generated by an undersea disturbance such as an earthquake. From the area of the disturbance, the waves will travel outward in all directions, much like the ripples caused by throwing a rock into a pond. The time between wave crests may be from 5 to 90 minutes, and the wave speed in the open ocean will average 450 miles per hour.
Tsunamis reaching heights of more than 100 feet have been recorded. Tsunamis are caused by an underwater disturbance — usually an undersea earthquake. Landslides, volcanic eruptions, and even meteorites can also generate a tsunami.
Tsunamis arrive as a series of successive 'crests' (high water levels) and 'troughs' (low water levels). These successive crests and troughs can occur anywhere from 5 to 90 minutes apart. They usually occur 10 to 45 minutes apart.
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The glossary is divided into two sections, one of basic terms found in the content of the Web sites and the other of technical terminology that may be found in publications and research. This glossary was developed in concert with terms and definitions employed by NOAA's National Ocean Service, Oceanic and Atmospheric Research Service, and National Weather Service; the U.S. Geological Survey - National Earthquake Information Center; the Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hilo Hawaii; and the International Tsunami Information Center.
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The information presented by National Geophysical Data Center, NOAA: number of damaging & non-damaging tsunamis (20th century), most damaging tsunamis worldwide & historical tsunamis along U.S. Pacific Coast.
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