Tsunamis and wetland management

Abstract

A tsunami (literally Japanese for "harbour wave") is a series of ocean waves generated by sudden displacements in the sea floor through landslides or volcanic activity. In the deep ocean, the tsunami wave may only be a few centimetres high but as the tsunami wave approaches the shore it may increase in height to become a fast moving wall of turbulent water in excess of 10 m high. Although a tsunami cannot be prevented, the impact of a tsunami can be mitigated through commu- nity preparedness, timely warnings, effective responses and, in some situations, the management of coastal wetlands.