A tsunami is a series of large ocean waves caused by sudden movements under the sea, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. Tsunamis are most common in the Pacific Ocean, where about 80% occur within the Ring of Fire, a geologically active area prone to earthquakes and volcanoes. While tsunamis cannot be prevented, advances in technology allow for detection of incoming tsunamis, providing time for coastal communities to evacuate to higher ground.

1. TSUNAMI

2. THIS IS NOT A TSUNAMI!

3. What is a Tsunami? Tsunami is a Japanese word meaning ''harbor wave'' series of large ocean waves that hit a shoreline long as 100km = approximately 63 miles long! travel across the ocean at speeds of up to 800kmh = approximately 497.1 mph!

4. What causes a tsunami? caused by sudden movements of the earth that happen under the sea - earthquakes - volcanic eruptions - landslides - even a comet hitting the sea

5. Most common in the Pacific Ocean Not a single wave, but a series of waves One of many Earth’s disasters Japan is a nation with the most recorded tsunamis in the world Tsunamis are a threat to life and property to anyone living near the ocean.

6. Ring of Fire about 80 percent, happen within the Pacific Ocean’s “Ring of Fire” a geologically active area where tectonic shifts make volcanoes and earthquakes common

7. Tsunamis travel rapidly across ocean basis(rolling snowball affect) map shows how a tsunami produced by an earthquake along the coast of Chile traveled across the Pacific Ocean,reachingHawaii in about 15 hours and Japan in less than 24 hours.

8. Can anything be done? Unfortunately nothing can be done to prevent tsunamis but due to technology we can detect incoming tsunamis and try to reach cover

9. Video links http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEQF6q33JeM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDOuwMj7Xzo