With wave speeds that can reach as much as 435 miles per hour, a tsunami can travel as far inland as 10 miles, depending on the slope and the shape of the shoreline that it is traveling across. Ships traveling in the deep ocean may pass over a tsunami and not even notice it because a tsunami can cause the waves to be as little as 2 feet high where the water is very deep.
How far inland does a tsunami go?
Tsunamis can travel as far as 10 miles (16 km) inland, depending on the shape and slope of the shoreline. Hurricanes also drive the sea miles inward, putting people at risk.
The largest waves, in theory, could travel up to 16 miles inland. How long the water would remain on the land depends entirely on the altitude and lay of the land. It would of course stay longer in low-lying areas, and retreat at once from higher altitudes.
How long does it take for a tsunami to hit land?
It really depends on where the earthquake or event to trigger the tsunami has occurred and where it is heading as Daniel pointed out. Anywhere from 10s of minutes if near the coast of a continent and up to 24 hours.
The water can be just as threatening (if not more so) as it returns to the sea, taking debris and people with it. Flooding and dangerous currents can last for days. Even small tsunamis can pose a risk. Strong currents can injure and drown swimmers and damage and destroy boats in harbors. And be aware, a tsunami is not surfable.
The next thing we asked ourselves was how long for a tsunami after an earthquake?
Tsunami waves can travel up to 800 km/hr (the speed of jets!) in deep waters and become slower at shallow depths. If you lived in Chile and an earthquake produces a tsunami just offshore, then the tsunami could reach the coast of Chile in just 15 to 30 minutes.
When Earth moves water. Traditionally, scientists have looked at the earthquake itself – using location, magnitude, and depth – to estimate the size and direction of the tsunami. A new wave of data, references, looking back to look ahead, and for more information in addition are a few more things to keep in mind.
How far inland does a Category 5 hurricane go?
Hurricanes can travel up to 100 – 200 miles inland. However, once a hurricane moves inland, it can no longer draw on heat energy from the ocean and weakens rapidly to a tropical storm (39 to 73 mph winds) or tropical depression.