When Weather Makes a Tsunami

Transcript

A meteotsunami begins with an air-pressure disturbance, often linked to a fast-moving squall line..

That pressure change can generate a wave travelling at the same speed as the weather overhead..

Its strength depends on the disturbance's intensity, direction, and speed across the water..

In shallow water, the wave slows and grows taller and more intense..

Harbours, inlets, and bays can intensify it further because they are semi-enclosed waters..

Unlike an earthquake-generated tsunami, a meteotsunami is triggered by weather, not an earthquake..

Yet both can affect the entire water column and become more dangerous in shallow water..