Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Volcanoes can generate devastating waves

January 1, 1988

Explosions. Noxious gases. Lava fountains and flows. Avalanches of superheated pyroclastics. Although volcanic eruptions can cause all these frightening phenomena, it is often the power of the sea that causes many volcano-related deaths. this destruction comes from tsunamis (huge volcano-generated waves) Roughly one-fourth of the deaths occurring during volcanic eruptions have been the result of tsunamis. Moreover a tsunami can transmit the volcano's energy to areas well outside the reach of the eruption itself. 

 

Publication Year 1988
Title Volcanoes can generate devastating waves
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Earthquakes & Volcanoes (USGS)
Index ID 70168530
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse