Japan Tsunami Pictures

Japan Tsunami Pictures

A tsunami is a series of water waves (called a tsunami wave train) caused by the displacement of a large volume of a body of water, usually an ocean, but can occur in large lakes. Tsunamis are a frequent occurrence in Japan; approximately 195 events have been recorded.Owing to the immense volumes of water and the high energy involved, tsunamis can devastate coastal regions.

Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other underwater explosions (including detonations of underwater nuclear devices), landslides and other mass movements, meteorite ocean impacts or similar impact events, and other disturbances above or below water all have the potential to generate a tsunami.

Widespread destruction from Japan earthquake and tsunamis



• Thousands feared dead after tsunami
• 8.9-magnitude quake triggers huge waves
• Evacuations near nuclear power plant
• Tsunami alert for 50 countries, territories

Japan Tsunami Pictures

Japan Tsunami Pictures

The world's largest recorded quake took place in Chile on May 22, 1960, with a magnitude of 9.5, the USGS said.

Japan Tsunami Pictures

Japan Tsunami Pictures

Cars, ships and buildings were swept away by a wall of water after the 8.9-magnitude tremor, which struck about 400km (250 miles) north-east of Tokyo.

Japan Tsunami Pictures

Japan Tsunami Pictures

Japan Tsunami Pictures

Japan Tsunami Pictures