What is a Tsunami?

3rd Gradeโ€ข30 minutes

Learning Objective

I can describe what a tsunami is and how it is formed.

Key Concepts

A tsunami is a series of powerful ocean waves often caused by an earthquake, volcano, or landslide under the sea.

Tsunamis are also known as "harbor waves" because "tsunami" means harbor wave in Japanese.

Warning signs of a tsunami include the ocean suddenly pulling back from the shoreline, the ground shaking, and a loud roaring sound coming from the ocean.

Practice Questions

This lesson includes 3 practice questions to reinforce learning.

View questions preview

1. What is a tsunami?

2. Name three things that can cause a tsunami.

3. Tsunamis are most likely to occur in which area?

Educational Video

Look out TSUNAMI = wall of water ๐ŸŒŠ Nature Earth Science

Socratica Kids

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