Question

tsunamis are most destructive in the middle of the ocean

Answer 1

Tsunamis are most commonly recognized for their devastating impacts when they reach coastal areas, rather than in the middle of the ocean. In open water, tsunamis typically have long wavelengths and low amplitude, which means they are less noticeable and pose little threat to ships or marine activities. However, as they approach shallow coastal waters, they slow down and increase in height, leading to the large, destructive waves that can cause severe damage upon landfall.

The most destructive effects of tsunamis are experienced in coastal regions, where the waves can surge dramatically, inundate land, and cause significant loss of life and property. Therefore, while tsunamis may originate in the ocean, their major destructive potential is realized when they interact with land.