When a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake struck off Russia’s coast on Tuesday, it sent shockwaves across the Pacific Ocean.
Leading to Tsunami Warnings across the Pacific Ocean including Hawaii, Oregon, Alaska and California.
Thankfully all Tsunami alerts are cancelled as waves continue to settle post aftershock.
The U.S. avoiding disaster because of a few factors:
Proximity matters most: The closer you are to the initial rupture, the greater the impacts you’ll feel. Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, being right at the epicenter, bore the brunt of the wave energy.
Uneven energy distribution: some areas receive more concentrated energy than others.
Shoreline geography: Each coastline is unique. The shape and depth of a shoreline can either amplify wave activity.
The type of movement: Although the earthquake was exceptionally strong, the way the tectonic plates moved didn’t create the massive displacement of water needed to generate a tsunami.
Why Earthquakes happen?
The answer lies deep beneath our feet in the Earth’s tectonic plates.
These massive slabs of solid rock make up our planet’s outermost layer, constantly moving in slow motion—but this movement isn’t always smooth.
Friction can hold these plates in place, causing them to become stuck together. Over years, decades, or even centuries, stress builds up along these fault lines.
Then, suddenly—SNAP! An earthquake happens as the plates break free and release all that stored energy at once. When seismic energy hits the ocean, it can create a Tsunami.
