How are the heights of tsunamis measured?

There are several different ways to measure tsunamis. 1. The most important measure of a tsunami is “run up”. When a tsunami comes ashore it moves inland higher and higher above mean sea level, eventually stopping and starting to flow back out. read more

The most important measure of a tsunami is “run up”. When a tsunami comes ashore it moves inland higher and higher above mean sea level, eventually stopping and starting to flow back out. The maximum altitude above mean sea level is the “run up”. read more

Tsunamis are also measured at sea using tsunami buoys that collect data about changes in water levels through underwater pressure gauges. These measurements establish an early warning system, giving scientists the ability to predict the height of the waves and when they are expected to reach shore. read more

In the deep ocean, a tsunami has a small amplitude (less than 1 metre) but very long wavelength (hundreds of kilometres). read more