Tsunami
A tsunami is a series of water waves (called a tsunami wave train) that is caused when a large volume of a body of water, such as an ocean, is rapidly displaced. The Japanese term is literally translated into "harbor wave."
Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and other underwater explosions (detonations of nuclear devices at sea), landslides and other mass movements, bolide impacts, and other disturbances above or below water all have the potential to generate a tsunami. Due to the immense volumes of water and energy involved, the effects of tsunamis can be devastating.
- Tsunami evacuation zone maps
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Over the past decade awareness of the potential threat tsunami pose to the Wellington region has greatly increased. Reports commissioned by the Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management (MCDEM) in 2005 calculated the risk to New Zealand from tsunami as similar to the risk from large earthquakes.
In recognition of this risk, Greater Wellington and GNS have worked together to develop maps which identify areas within the region which may be at risk from tsunami. These maps will be used by local councils to develop localised evacuation plans. It is important to note that the zones are indicative only and simply identify the areas that each of the local councils wish to evacuate to protect residents for different size tsunami. These zones are ‘evacuation zones’ and are not ‘inundation zones’.
- Tsunami hazards
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Tsunami result from the displacement of water caused by earthquakes, underwater landslides, volcanic eruptions or even meteorites.
- Do we get any warning?
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A tsunami that starts overseas can take hours to reach New Zealand. Emergency management agencies will make sure that local communities are warned. Warnings will be broadcast over the radio and television.
- More information
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Some publications which contain more information about tsunamis.