How to Detect A Tsunami: Types and Method

A tsunami is one impact of an earthquake when the epicenter is located under the sea with a strong magnitude. This terrible disaster always being a concern because of its very complex impacts. Although included in terrible disasters, a tsunami doesn’t suddenly happen without prior warning. So, how to detect a tsunami?

How to Detect a Tsunami? Let’s Check!

This huge and high wave that we call a tsunami can be detected through any signs. There are some methods for detecting a tsunami. They are divided into two, such as manually (by natural signs) and by system.

1. Early Natural Signs

Natural phenomena can be used to detect a tsunami. This signal is easily captured with the naked eye. What are the signals? First, an earthquake occurred in near coastal area. It is caused by underwater disturbance which is the tectonic plates movement.

Second, the roar of the waves is not as usual, which is like a jet plane or a train sounds. Third, the sea level or volume suddenly increases rapidly. Commonly, this fact triggered panic among people around the beach.

The unusual event was caused by tectonic plates moving closer together and one plate subducting another. This vertical movement is like a "giant fist" from under the sea surface, causing water to roll down from the sides of the "giant fist" as if being sucked in. At the same time, a large wave was created that spread in all directions at high speed and moved up to land for tens of kilometers.

The third natural sign is animals move up to higher land. Based on research, their sense of the environment is strong. They can sense impending danger, vibrations, and electromagnetic changes in the atmosphere, which for us may only be seen as small, insignificant natural changes.

2. Seismograph

Besides natural signs, how to detect a tsunami can be answered with some devices, called a detector. The first one of the detectors is a seismograph. The potential for a tsunami can detected using a seismograph.

Do you ever know seismograph? It is a device or system, which includes a seismometer and recording system. A seismograph records the earthquakes detected by a seismometer, then the results are visualized in a graph or seismogram.

Earthquakes recorded on a seismograph are measured by the Richter scale. The results of these measurements are continuously observed to support disaster mitigation. Earthquakes can cause a tsunami when its epicenter is under the sea at shallow depths (less than 30 km below the sea level) with a minimum magnitude of 6.5 on the Richter scale.

3. Sea Level Monitoring

Although sea level can be observed directly, system-based observation is more accurate. The two methods used are buoy and tide gauge. Both of them are an excellent combination for monitoring and measuring the sea level comprehensively and accurately.

The buoy is a buoy detector containing electronic equipment that is placed in the middle of the sea to detect tidal waves and a tsunami. The tide gauge is a detector in waters that measures changes in sea level (sea tides) mechanically and automatically. This device allows for rapid detection of a tsunami.

Tsunami Early Warning System

An early warning system is very needed to mitigate a disaster, including a tsunami. The tsunami early warning system (TEWS) works by detecting earthquakes and other signs that potential to cause a tsunami and then providing warnings to the public.

The working sequence of TEWS is monitoring signs of disaster, data analysis, and warning notifications through radio, TV, SMS, or social media. The signs of disaster are obtained from data in the observation device, such as seismograph, buoy, and tide gauge.

This early warning system is very helpful, especially for society in coastal areas. Each party, such as government, institutions, and social community, needs coordination to succeed mitigation program. All of the programs started with applying the tsunami early warning system (TEWS).

After knowing how to detect a tsunami, the next step is execution. Coordination from any parties is needed for mitigation. A tsunami early warning needs to be implemented to reduce its impacts. An emergency alert from smsbroadcaster.com can be a solution. It is equipped with a hi-tech system in the form of SMS warnings.