What is a tsunami?

Have you ever wondered what creates the most powerful waves on Earth? Get ready for a splash, because today we are diving deep into the amazing science of tsunamis! Did you know that a tsunami doesn't come from wind like normal beach waves? Instead, they are triggered by massive underwater earthquakes! When the ocean floor suddenly snaps, it pushes billions of tonnes of water straight up. Even crazier, when this giant lump of water races across the deep ocean, it travels at 500 miles per hour—as fast as a jet airplane! But if you were on a boat in the middle of the sea, you wouldn't even notice it because the wave is only about two feet tall. But watch out! When a tsunami reaches the shallow water near the shore, friction slows it down and forces all that massive ocean energy upward into a towering surge that can be as tall as a ten-story building! Join Mira and Finn as they uncover the wild physics behind these mega-waves. You'll even learn about the super-smart DART buoy technology that sits three miles underwater to keep coastal towns safe!