Yes, that's correct! Tsunamis are large, powerful ocean waves typically generated by underwater disturbances, most commonly earthquakes. Here’s how they occur:
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Subduction Zones: Many significant tsunamis originate in subduction zones, where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another. When there's sudden slippage along a fault line, it can displace a large volume of water.
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Volcanic Eruptions: Underwater volcanic eruptions can also displace water and generate tsunamis. The explosion or the collapse of part of the volcano can push water upward.
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Landslides: Underwater landslides, or landslides that occur near coastlines, can also trigger tsunamis by moving large amounts of sediment and water.
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Meteorite Impacts: Although rare, the impact of a large meteorite in the ocean can generate tsunamis as well.
Once generated, a tsunami can travel across ocean basins at high speeds, often reaching coastal areas with little warning and potentially causing significant destruction. It's important to monitor seismic activity near coastlines to provide advance warnings for possible tsunami events.