NATURAL DISASTERS

One of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded struck on 11th  March 2011 off the north eastern coast of Japan causing severe damage. The earthquake also triggered a tsunami whhich washed away everything in its way.

Watch this video about the tsunami in Japan and find out more about this phenomenon. Try to answer  the following questions.

1. What are the signs of tsunamis?
2. Why are there so many tsunamis and earthquakes in Japan and what does tsunami mean?
 3. According to the video, can you explain why do tsunamis happen?
4. How fast do underwater waves travel?
5. In which sense a tsunami wave is different from a normal wave?
6. What happens when it recedes?
7. How many waves are usually in a tsunami? How often do they come?
 8. Where was the 2011 tsunami originated and which areas dit it affect?
9. How many people died?
10. Where is the Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre and what do they do?
11. What´s their advice if a tusami occurs?

 In 2004 something similar happened in Thailand. The Spanish film director J.A. Bayona has done a film called The Impossible about it. Here you´ve got the trailer.