"Tidal Waves"

Tsunamis are large waves triggered by undersea disturbances such as earthquakes. They are usually hardly noticeable in the open ocean but can dramatically increase in height as they enter shallow coastal waters. Tsunami means "harbour wave" in Japanese.

A system of buoys is used in some parts of the Pacific to detect tsunamis in the open ocean and help provide an early warning. It is also important to put procedures in place to relay warnings to the public as quickly as possible and to educate people how to respond to such an emergency. This will not prevent the tsunami, but it can greatly reduce its impact.

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