Vocabulary
(from “Understanding Tsunamis,” Discovery Education)
Tsunami: A series of catastrophic ocean waves generated by undersea earthquakes or landslides, volcanic eruptions, or the impact of a large meteorite in the sea. Context: The word “tsunami” comes from the Japanese term for great harbor wave.
Crest: The top of a wave. Context: The crest of a wave may rise only a foot or two above normal.
Fjord: A narrow sea inlet between cliffs or steep slopes. Context: The falling ice creates a wave that spreads rapidly across the fjord.
Surge: A large wave or billow. Context: The water builds and then breaks into a huge surge that rushes ashore.
Trough: The lowest point between waves. Context: For every wave peak is a trough. If the trough appears first, the sea recedes before a wave arrives on land.