Seismic Waves from Kamchatka Earthquake Reach Spain in Just 15 Minutes

Recent seismic activity in the Kamchatka Peninsula of Russia has drawn significant attention, particularly because the seismic waves produced by the earthquake took a mere 15 minutes to reach Spain. This remarkable speed was reported by the Geosciences Institute (IGEO), a collaborative center associated with the Higher Council for Scientific Research and the Complutense University of Madrid. They have shared data and images showcasing how the earthquake's effects were recorded across the continent. As Spain reacted to the news, IGEO leveraged the attention surrounding this powerful earthquake and the ensuing tsunami to highlight previous research regarding similar natural disasters. These posts focus not only on earthquakes but also on other major phenomena such as volcanic eruptions, landslides, and even impacts from extraterrestrial bodies. A particularly noteworthy explanation by the institute reveals the complexities surrounding tsunami waves. According to IGEO, upon generation, a tsunami does not maintain a uniform wave height as it approaches land. It clarified that individuals in the open ocean can pass under a tsunami wave without even noticing it—the waves are low in height but extend over vast distances. When in deeper waters, the tsunami's wave height remains minimal while the wavelength can stretch for kilometers. However, as the tsunami travels closer to the coast and the water's depth decreases, the energy of the wave causes it to rise significantly in height while the wavelength shrinks. This transformation is what often leads to the devastating effects of tsunamis when they finally reach shoreline. As the scientific community continues to study these phenomena, the need for public awareness and preparedness in coastal areas remains critical. Follow updates from El Huffpost for the latest news and developments regarding natural disasters and scientific research. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2