The Power and Formation of Tsunamis: Nature's Unstoppable Force

science kids biggest tsunamis of all time - and the science behind them V1-0001 A tsunami is a massive wave caused by underwater disturbances like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, traveling at jet plane speeds and reaching heights as tall as skyscrapers. These powerful waves can devastate coastal towns within minutes, but can also go unnoticed if the energy dissipates before reaching the coast. Tsunamis get their name from the phenomenon of wave shoaling, where wave energy is compressed upward as it reaches shallow waters, leading to waves as high as 100 feet or more.