A tsunami is a very large wave caused by disturbances primarily associated with earthquakes near or below the ocean floor. Other things such as under water volcanic eruptions or landslides can also trigger tsunamis. The waves may be hundreds of miles long yet only a few feet tall. Even with its height and its exceeding speeds over 500 miles per hour, boats and ships can't feel it.
Biggest Recorded Tsunami was?
The biggest recorded tsunami was in Lituya Bay, Alaska. This event happened in 1958. An earthquake with a 7.9-8.3 magnitude caused 40 million cubic yard of dirt and glacier to fall into the sea. This generated a wave more than 1,720 feet high. Water was sent as far as 3,600 feet inland. This cleared millions of trees. Even though this was the BIGGEST tsunami, it was not the most devestating and it only killed two people because it was in an unpopulated area.
Where do tsunamis mostly occur?
All of the oceanic regions are vunerable to tsunamis but, the Pacific Ocean is most vunerable because the most earthquakes happen along
"The Ring of Fire"and since earthquakes mostly cause tsunamis... well you get the picture.
Environmental set backs: Life and society set backs:
Did you know that a tsunami can damage lots of things? Tsunamis can cause lots of other things also.
Its true. Tsunamis can cause damage to crops and They can destroy families, houses, towns even cities.
agriculture. Lots of families have to move because of these issues. A tsunami in Sri Lanka and Sumatra caused more
than 201,000 deaths combined.
The most devestating tsunami was in Indonesia!
There was lots of destruction. There were more than 231,452 deaths in 12 countries. More than 1.7 million homes were lost. Between five and six million people needed food and water and 90% lost their livelihood. The city was going to need between 3-5 years to recover.
Measurement of tsunamis are discovered by destruction and witnesses. 
Orbiting radar satellites can also measure tsunami waves by measuring the movement This is a picture of some
of the sea's floor. You can also measure waves by measuring the wet marks destruction from the Thailand
on buildings near the shore. tsunami in 2004.
BEFORE A TSUNAMI:
- If you might be in danger of a tsunami, find out.
- Have an escape plan ready just in case.
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Prepare a disaster supply kit for your home and car. Include a first aid kit, canned food and a can opener, bottled water, battery-operated radio, flashlight, protective clothing and written instructions on how to turn off electricity, gas, and water.
DURING A TSUNAMI:
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Carefully follow instructions made by local authorities.
- You might want to think about evacuating IMMEDIATELY!
- Go inland and to a high place.
AFTER A TSUNAMI:
- If someone is trapped or injured try to help them.
- Stay out of a building if water remains around it. Tsunami waters can cause buildings to sink, floors to crack, or walls to collapse.
- Use extreme caution when re-entering homes.
- Check for natural gas leaks.
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To help dry things out, open windows and doors.
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Look for fire hazards
REFERENCES:
1. www.weatherwizkid.com/tsunami.htm
2. www.walrus.wr.usgs.gov/tsunami/srilanka05/
3. www.extremescience.com/BiggestWave.htm
4. www.undp.org/tsunami/UNDP-tsunamireport.pdf
5. www.noaanews.noaagov/stories2005/s2365.htm
(ALL pictures were found at google images, which was processed at home)