Hazard mapping programs are generated for disaster preparedness. Scientists launch computer-simulated tsunamis at a digital representation of coastlines. This enables them to predict when the tsunami waves will hit the coast, how high they will be, and how far inland they will reach. The maps are used by local officials to plan evacuation routes and make zoning decisions.
Earthquakes that generate tsunamis most often happen where Earth’s tectonic plates converge, and the heavier plate dips beneath the lighter one. Part of the seafloor snaps upward as the tension is released. The entire column of seawater is pushed toward the surface, creating an enormous bulge. As the water flattens out, giant ripples race outward.
Simulations from various tsunami events are given on this web page.
Programu za ramani za hatari hutengenezwa kwa ajili ya kujitayarisha kwa misiba. Wanasayansi hutokeza tsunami zilizofanyizwa kwa kompyuta kwenye picha ya dijiti ya pwani. Hii inawawezesha kutabiri wakati mawimbi ya tsunami yatakapogonga pwani, yatakuwa ya urefu gani, na yatafika mbali kadiri gani ndani ya nchi. Ramani hizo hutumiwa na maofisa wa mahali hapo kupanga njia za kuhamishwa na kufanya maamuzi ya kugawanya maeneo. Matetemeko ya ardhi yanayosababisha tsunami mara nyingi hutokea mahali ambapo mabamba ya dunia yanakutana, na bamba zito huanguka chini ya lile nyepesi. Sehemu ya sakafu ya bahari huinuka huku mvutano ukiondolewa. Safu nzima ya maji ya bahari husukumwa kuelekea juu ya uso, ikifanyiza mwinuko mkubwa sana. Maji yanapopungua, mawimbi makubwa huelekea nje. Simulations kutoka matukio mbalimbali tsunami ni kupewa juu ya ukurasa huu wa mtandao.