Which tsunami intensity scale is used as the main size parameter in NOAA global tsunami catalogues?
Answer
Soloviev-Imamura scale
79 Tsunamis Trivia Questions with Answers
79 public questions with answers, drawn from the well. How many can you answer?
Tsunami trivia covers the science, history, warning systems, and cultural vocabulary surrounding these powerful ocean waves. Questions range from tsunami intensity scales and earthquake-linked observations to historical events such as the 479 BC tsunami during the Persian siege of Potidaea. You may also encounter terms for waves detected before their source is understood, atmospheric pressure waves that resemble tsunamis, and the work of NOAA warning centers.
This hub suits geography students, disaster-preparedness discussions, science classrooms, and pub-quiz teams that enjoy natural-history questions. It also tests international awareness: players may need to know when the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System became active, which center serves North America from Palmer, Alaska, and why World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed each year.
Which U.S. center issues tsunami warnings for North America from Palmer, Alaska?
Answer
National Tsunami Warning Center
What term describes a tsunami-like wave caused by rapid changes in air pressure?
Answer
Meteotsunami
On what date is World Tsunami Awareness Day observed each year?
Answer
5 November
What type of undersea event was the prehistoric Storegga Slide?
Answer
Submarine landslide
Which nuclear power plant had meltdowns after the 2011 tsunami in Japan?
Answer
Fukushima Daiichi
The 2009 Samoa tsunami caused major damage in which U.S. territory?
Answer
American Samoa
The 1993 Hokkaido earthquake tsunami devastated which small Japanese island?
Answer
Okushiri Island
The 1945 Makran earthquake generated a tsunami in which sea?
Answer
Arabian Sea
What term describes an earthquake that produces a much larger tsunami than its seismic waves suggest?
Answer
Tsunami earthquake
The 1946 Aleutian disaster led to creation of which early Pacific warning system?
Answer
Seismic Sea Wave Warning System
The 1929 Grand Banks tsunami struck which large Canadian island?
Answer
Newfoundland
Which Alaska lighthouse was obliterated by the 1946 Aleutian tsunami?
Answer
Scotch Cap Lighthouse
The 2018 Indonesian tsunami was named for which strait between Java and Sumatra?
Answer
Sunda Strait
Which volcano's flank collapse triggered the 2018 Sunda Strait tsunami?
Answer
Anak Krakatoa
What was the maximum slip of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake?
Answer
50 meters
Which island experienced the 1975 Kalapana earthquake and tsunami?
Answer
Big Island
On what date is the 1700 Cascadia earthquake believed to have occurred?
Answer
January 26, 1700
What is the name of the fault that ruptured in the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake?
Answer
Sunda megathrust
What was the primary cause of the 1998 Papua New Guinea tsunami?
Answer
Submarine landslide
What is the precise date of the 1960 Valdivia earthquake?
Answer
May 22, 1960
Tsunamis trivia — quick answers
What are good tsunami trivia questions?
Good tsunami trivia questions cover historical events, warning systems, earthquake science, measurement scales, terminology, and disaster preparedness. Examples include identifying NOAA's main catalogue parameter, naming the North American warning center, and recalling the date of World Tsunami Awareness Day.
How hard is tsunami trivia?
Tsunami trivia ranges from accessible geography questions to difficult historical and technical details. Casual players may know the basic causes and famous disasters, while specialist questions about intensity scales, ancient records, warning networks, and atmospheric waves require more focused study.
What causes a tsunami?
Most tsunamis are caused by sudden displacement of the seafloor, usually during a powerful undersea earthquake. Underwater landslides, volcanic eruptions, and rarely meteorite impacts can also displace water. As the waves approach shallow coastal water, they slow down, grow taller, and can cause severe flooding.
When is World Tsunami Awareness Day?
World Tsunami Awareness Day is observed every year on November 5. The United Nations designated the date to promote knowledge of tsunami risks, preparedness, early warning systems, and the importance of reducing losses in coastal communities.
Which U.S. center issues tsunami warnings for North America from Palmer, Alaska?
The National Tsunami Warning Center in Palmer, Alaska, issues tsunami information and warnings for Alaska, the continental United States, Canada, and other areas in the United States and surrounding regions. It works with the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Hawaii within the U.S. warning system.