On July 30th, a strong earthquake struck the Russian Far East, prompting heightened alert levels across multiple countries worldwide. Tsunami experts have warned that the waves generated by such earthquakes can move at speeds comparable to jet planes. Even if the tsunami waves are as small as 30 centimeters (0.3 meters) high, they can sweep people away. The destructive power of tsunamis should never be underestimated.
Experts from the University of Washington and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States, including senior research scientist Yong Wei, have stated that tsunami waves generated by earthquakes can move at speeds of approximately 700 kilometers per hour (435 miles per hour), resembling a “jet plane.” Once these tsunami waves reach shallow waters, the energy will concentrate and release upon the wave height, causing severe damage to coastal areas.
Yong Wei has speculated that flooding is “highly likely” in certain areas of the north coast of Hawaii, while smaller waves may be expected on the west coast of the United States. He advises the public to remain vigilant, stay away from beaches, and emphasizes that tsunami waves are different from regular ocean waves, possessing greater destructive power and unpredictability.
Helen Janiszewski, a seismologist and assistant professor at the University of Hawaii, stated that tsunami waves are completely different from typical ocean waves, likening them to a swift flood surging along the coastline. She pointed out that tsunami waves are markedly different from ordinary wind-driven waves, with longer wavelengths and the ability to repeatedly inundate inland areas, posing a significant threat to low-lying coastal regions. Even with relatively low water volume, the fast-moving water flow is capable of knocking people down, presenting extreme danger.
Moreover, the topography plays a significant role in the impact of tsunamis. Submarine terrain can amplify or alter the direction of waves, causing them to impact different coastlines in complex patterns. It is not only the areas directly facing the waves that are at risk.
Wu Jianfu, Director of the Earthquake Monitoring Center at the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau, highlighted that the speed of tsunami wave propagation increases with the depth of the seabed. The eastern seabed of Taiwan is deeper, resulting in tsunami propagation speeds akin to that of a jet plane, reaching speeds of up to 720 kilometers per hour in deep-sea areas. According to the forecast wave height classification table released by the Central Weather Bureau, tsunami waves with a height of 30 centimeters or above but less than 1 meter have the potential to sweep people away.
Below is the forecast wave height classification table released by the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau:
(Reference: CNN and Central News Agency)