Where do tsunamis happen?

A tsunami’s trough, the low point beneath the wave’s crest, often reaches shore first. When it does, it produces a vacuum effect that sucks coastal water seaward and exposes harbor and sea floors. read more

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association's Center for Tsunami Research, most tsunamis happen in the Pacific Ocean and around the Pacific Rim. This area has enough underwater earthquake activity to cause an increase in the risk of tsunami development. Indonesia is at a high risk for tsunamis for this reason as well. read more

Scientists estimate that almost three quarter of the world tsunamis occur in the Pacific Ocean, where the megathrusts (subduction zones) are so common (Aleutian Islands, Alaska, Chile, Philippines, Japan etc). read more