Causes of Tsunamis
Tsunamis are caused by a displacement of a large volume of water in a large body of water, usually in an ocean or a large lake.
Earthquakes:
The majority of tsunamis are caused by earthquakes beneath the ocean floor. They can also be caused by on-land earthquakes on islands. However, just because there is an earthquake beneath the ocean floor, or on an island doesn't necessarily mean that there will be a tsunami. There must be an incredibly powerful earthquake to cause a tsunami to occur. The waves start out very small, but build up and increase in size as they reach the shore. When a tsunami reaches land it can cause immense amounts of destruction and is very hard to contain.
Other Causes:
Tsunamis can also be caused by landslides, volcanic eruptions and other movements in the earth's crust.
Earthquakes:
The majority of tsunamis are caused by earthquakes beneath the ocean floor. They can also be caused by on-land earthquakes on islands. However, just because there is an earthquake beneath the ocean floor, or on an island doesn't necessarily mean that there will be a tsunami. There must be an incredibly powerful earthquake to cause a tsunami to occur. The waves start out very small, but build up and increase in size as they reach the shore. When a tsunami reaches land it can cause immense amounts of destruction and is very hard to contain.
Other Causes:
Tsunamis can also be caused by landslides, volcanic eruptions and other movements in the earth's crust.