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When most people think about how tsunamis form , they picture towering waves rushing toward the shore. But this dramatic image only shows the final act in a complex natural performance. To uncover the full story, we must shift our focus away from just the waves and instead explore the massive energy transfer that makes these oceanic giants possible. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS) , a tsunami is not merely a wave—it's a series of waves triggered by the sudden displacement of a large volume of water , usually due to seismic or geological events. But what truly powers a tsunami is the release and movement of energy across thousands of kilometers of ocean. 🌐 Earthquakes Beneath The Sea: The First Energy Spark The most common cause of tsunamis is underwater earthquakes. But it’s not just any quake that creates a tsunami—it has to be shallow, powerful, and displacing . When tectonic plates grind against each other along subduction zones—like the infamous Ri...

Tsunamis have long fascinated and terrified coastal communities. But here’s a question that often floats in the wake of curiosity: Do tsunamis get bigger as they travel ? The answer isn’t as simple as "yes" or "no." To understand this, we must first look beneath the surface—literally—and explore the physics of wave energy , the shape of the ocean floor, and how human perception plays into the seeming growth of a tsunami . This post will not only explain the science but will explore the phenomenon from an unusual angle: how the ocean hides the strength of tsunamis until the very last moment , making them appear to “grow” as they approach land. 🌐 The Myth of the Giant Wave: Why Size is Deceptive at Sea When people think of tsunamis, they often imagine giant waves crashing dramatically in open waters. In reality, a tsunami in deep ocean water may only be a few feet high , blending into the normal undulation of the sea surface. This gives the illusion of safety . ...