Meteotsunamis
are large waves caused by storms.
Meteotsunamis are large waves that scientists
are just beginning to better understand. Unlike tsunamis triggered by seismic
activity, meteotsunamis are driven by air-pressure disturbances often
associated with fast-moving weather events, such as severe thunderstorms,
squalls, and other storm fronts. The storm generates a wave that moves towards
the shore, and is amplified by a shallow continental shelf and inlet, bay, or
other coastal feature.
Meteotsunamis have been observed to reach
heights of 6 feet or more. They occur in many
places around the world, including the Great Lakes, Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic
Coast, and the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas.
Identifying a meteotsunami is a challenge
because its characteristics are almost indistinguishable from a seismic
tsunami. It can also be confused with wind-driven storm surge or a seiche.
These uncertainties make it difficult to predict a meteotsunami and warn the
public of a potential event. However, NOAA scientists have indentified
atmospheric conditions that are likely to generate a meteotsunami and continue
to work on ways to forecast them.
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