tsunami

Tsunamis are generated when the sea floor abruptly deforms and vertically displaces the overlying water. When these earthquakes occur beneath the sea, the water above the deformed area is displaced from its equilibrium position. Waves are formed as the displaced water mass, which acts under the influence of gravity, attempts to regain its equilibrium. This causes a series of waves. When large areas of the sea floor elevate or subside, a tsunami can be created.