flóðbylgja

Flóðbylgja is the Icelandic word for tsunami. A tsunami is a series of exceptionally large waves caused by a large-scale disturbance of the ocean, typically underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. The term tsunami originates from Japanese, meaning "harbor wave," due to its destructive impact on coastal areas and harbors.

When a tsunami is generated, it travels across the ocean at high speeds, often hundreds of kilometers per hour. While in deep water, the waves may be relatively small in height and difficult to detect. However, as they approach shallower coastal waters, their speed decreases, and their height increases dramatically. The impact of a tsunami on land can be devastating, causing widespread flooding, destruction of infrastructure, and loss of life.

The most common cause of tsunamis is seismic activity, specifically large undersea earthquakes. If an earthquake causes vertical displacement of the seafloor, it can displace a vast volume of water, generating tsunami waves. Other less frequent causes include volcanic eruptions, meteor impacts, and submarine landslides. Warning systems are in place in many seismically active regions to detect potential tsunamis and alert coastal populations, allowing for timely evacuation and mitigation of the disaster.