Meteorological Tsunami

Meteotsunamis have characteristics similar to earthquake-generated tsunamis, but they are caused by air pressure disturbances often associated with fast moving weather systems, such as squall lines. 

 

These disturbances can generate waves in the ocean that travel at the same speed as the overhead weather system. Development of a meteotsunami depends on several factors such as the intensity, direction, and speed of the disturbance as it travels over a water body with a depth that enhances wave magnification.

 

Certain parts of the world are more susceptible to meteotsunamis as a result of factors such as bathymetry, coastline shape, and even nearby topography influencing the development of atmospheric gravity waves.

 

These regions have specific local names for a meteotsunami such as “abiki” (Japan) and “rissaga” (Spain), and there is even some debate as to what the official term should be. In the U.S., “meteotsunami” has become the generally accepted term.

Resource:

Fact Sheet "What is a Meteotsunami". From NOAA.

An Examination of the June 2013 East Coast Meteotsunami Captured By NOAA Observing Systems. NOAA Technical Report NOS CO-OPS 079.

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The Oceans cover 70% of the earths suface

 

The deepest part of the ocean is called the Mariana Trench, which is around 7 miles deep and is located in the South Pacific Ocean.

 

 

The water pressure at the bottom of the Mariana Trench is eight tons per square inch. This means the pressure there is enough to crush you.

 

The largest mountain range is found underwater and is called the Mid-Oceanic Ridge that is around 65,000 kilometres long.

 

Sponges are older than dinosaurs.

 

Half the Oxygen we breath is produced in the Ocean.

 

 Irukandji jelly fish, with just a brush of venom leaves almost no mark. But after about a half hour you develop Irukandji syndrome, a debilitating mix of nausea, vomiting, severe pain, difficulty breathing, drenching sweating and sense of impending doom. You get so sick that your biggest worry is that you’re not going to die.

 

The most remote point in the oceans is called Point Nemo.

 

The Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans are known as the three major oceans.