In light of the recent tsunami that took place in Japan, it is interesting that the word "tsunami" actually comes from a Japanese word, which literally means "harbor wave". By definition, a tsunami is a series of water waves caused by the displacement of a large volume of a body of water, usually an ocean. Tsunamis can be caused by many events, such as seismic earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other underwater explosions. In class, we learned that waves are most commonly caused by wind. Thus, in my mind, I figured "Hey, a tsunami is a large wave, so it must be caused by very heavy winds..." Let's just say that my thinking wasn't quite right.
Approximately 80% of tsunamis occur in the Pacific Ocean within what is the called the "Ring of Fire." (pictured below)
Here is a video of a tsunami...I don't imagine it being very fun to "hang loose" on such a wave, but hey, if you're dangerous enough to try, then go for it!
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