Tsunamis
Tsunamis are a series of massive waves that ripple out from the earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide or underwater detonation that caused them. These huge waves can travel thousands of miles across ocean basins. While out at sea, wave heights are small, but as a tsunami approaches shore, the rise of the continental slope means water levels are shallower, and the wave begins to narrow and become higher. Read below for the latest news on tsunamis and tsunami research.
Latest about Tsunami
Tsunamis up to 90 feet high smash into New Zealand every 580 years, study finds
By Stephanie Pappas published
A new method of assessing tsunami risk in New Zealand finds that giant waves could hit the country's shores once every 500 years.
1st mega-tsunami on record since antiquity was triggered by Tonga volcanic eruption
By Charles Q. Choi published
The eruption was the most powerful natural explosion in over a century, triggering a tsunami hundreds of feet high.
Powerful 8.1-magnitude earthquake off New Zealand triggers tsunami warnings
By Rachael Rettner last updated
The powerful earthquake occurred at 8:28 a.m. local time near New Zealand's Kermadec Islands.
Magnitude-7.3 earthquake strikes Fukushima, tsunami warning issued
By Ben Turner published
A tsunami warning has been issued for Fukushima after a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the east coast of Japan, according to Japanese government officials.
Japan earthquake & tsunami of 2011: Facts and information
By Becky Oskin published
Facts and information about the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan.
'Invisible' earthquake caused mysterious 2021 tsunami, scientists find
By Ben Turner published
Scientists argue that we need to build better monitoring systems to spot earthquakes of this type.
4-foot tsunami hits Tonga after explosive eruption of underwater volcano
By Jeanna Bryner published
A tsunami triggered by the explosive eruption of the underwater Tonga volcano in the Pacific Ocean slammed the shoreline of the Pacific nation Saturday (Jan. 15).
Lost islands beneath the North Sea survived a mega-tsunami 8,000 years ago
By Tom Metcalfe published
Some ancient islands now submerged beneath the North Sea survived a devastating tsunami about 8,000 years ago and may have played a key part in Britain's human prehistory.
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.