Tsunamis, as we know, wreak havoc on the biosphere, but have you ever wondered “how do tsunamis affect the geosphere and other spheres of the earth?”
Is the atmosphere safe from the effects of tsunamis?
Over the years, we’ve experienced a series of tsunamis across the world.
Countless lives were lost, properties worth billions were destroyed, and whole communities were deserted.
These are some of the environmental effects associated with tsunamis. Tsunamis also affect the various spheres of the earth.
The geosphere is affected as tsunamis displace and wash away any soils and rocks they come in contact with as they reach the shore of the sea.
This can lead to coastal erosion.
What Causes Tsunamis?
A tsunami is a series of waves formed as a result of the sudden displacement of water in an ocean.
This sudden displacement is mostly caused by earthquakes, which occur at tectonic plate boundaries.
When the overriding plate between two converging tectonic plates falls downwards into the subduction zone, something happens.
In deep oceans, tsunamis can reach a speed of 500 miles per hour, which is as fast as a jet plane.
As the waves approach the shoreline, they begin to increase in height and intensity while decreasing in speed.
72% of all tsunamis that happen around the world are triggered by an underwater earthquake.
There are also other causes of tsunamis, such as landslides, meteorites, certain weather conditions, and volcanic eruptions.
Tip: Once you notice the waves rising in height, you should leave that area as soon as possible.
Do Tsunamis Affect The Geosphere?
Yes, tsunamis can affect the geosphere, which is the outer layer of the Earth that includes the lithosphere (solid Earth) and the upper part of the mantle.
Tsunamis are large, oceanic waves caused by earthquakes, landslides, or other underwater disturbances.
When a tsunami hits land, it can cause significant damage to the coastline and coastal structures, such as buildings, roads, and bridges.
The force of a tsunami can also have an impact on the geosphere by causing landslides and soil erosion.
Tsunamis can also transport sediment and debris from one location to another, which can alter the landscape and change the shape of the coastline.
In addition, tsunamis can cause changes in the water level and flow of rivers and streams, which can have an impact on the geosphere.
Note: Tsunamis can have significant impacts on the geosphere, both in terms of physical damage to the landscape and changes to the Earth's surface and features.
How Do Tsunamis Affect The Geosphere?
The term “geosphere,” often referred to as “lithosphere,” is used to describe the solid parts of the earth.
It comprises all the rocks and mountains that make up the earth and the mineral elements underneath the earth’s crust.
It also comprises the earth’s mantle and all the grains of sand on the surface of the earth.
Tsunamis are mostly caused by activities going on in the geosphere, i.e., plate tectonic movements (earthquakes).
When earthquakes occur, they create high-rise sea waves that travel at high speed shoreward.
These waves increase in height and intensity as they approach shorelines.
When it hits the shore, it floods the surrounding lands adjoining the sea, destroying anything in its path.
Does water play a major role?
The rushing water also displaces and washes away most of the soil and rocks they come in contact with.
It also moves them to locations where they normally wouldn’t be found.
This creates barren and unstable dunes that are susceptible to erosion in unwanted locations.
A tsunami can also serve as an agent of coastal erosion and weathering.
This is because it moves sediments and rocks from the coastline at high speed, which erodes the earth’s surface.
Post-tsunami effects such as landslides and mudslides can happen as a result of extensive erosion that occurred at the bottom of steep slopes along coastlines.
Note: Tsunamis can change the structure of the earth's lithosphere as tectonic plates fall during earthquakes.
Effects Of Tsunamis On The Other Spheres Of The Earth
Tsunamis, like most natural disasters, can’t be stopped or controlled. There isn’t much that can be done to limit the damage done by them.
There are four main spheres of the earth:
- the geosphere,
- the hydrosphere,
- the biosphere, and
- the atmosphere.
The geosphere represents the solid parts of the earth, while the hydrosphere refers to all the water bodies on earth such as rivers, lakes, and oceans.
The biosphere is the part of the earth where life exists, and the atmosphere is the envelope of gasses surrounding the earth.
Tsunamis affect the four spheres of the earth differently and we’ve already looked at the effects of tsunamis on the geosphere.
Now we will be discussing how tsunamis affect the rest of the earth’s spheres.
How Does A Tsunami Affect The Hydrosphere?
The water in oceans is saline; they contain a significant amount of dissolved salt.
When tsunamis occur, they push large volumes of saltwater out onto the surrounding shores.
When this water hits the land, it penetrates and pollutes the freshwater bodies beneath the earth’s surface.
Also, other sources of freshwater, such as lakes, in that location will all be permanently polluted with salt water and unfit for consumption.
Even drinking-water wells and reservoirs will be submerged and mixed with saltwater, making them undrinkable due to their unpleasant taste.
Harmful disease-causing microorganisms (bacteria, and parasites) on the ocean floor would also flood and contaminate freshwater bodies.
Some of these microorganisms, if ingested, can cause life-threatening health issues.
If these microorganisms come in contact with open cuts, they can lead to serious infections.
Tip: Wells and water reservoirs should be emptied and disinfected after a tsunami to kill any dangerous microorganisms that might have penetrated.
How Do Tsunamis Affect The Biosphere?
A tsunami’s effect on the biosphere is usually disastrous.
The raging water from a tsunami destroys anything in its parts, be it trees, animals, or people.
It has the potential to spread diseases and destroy the ecological habitat of several species of animals.
Parts of the biosphere are usually drowned and dragged back into the sea.
The force from the waves is capable of uprooting trees and washing away farmlands and vegetation which serve as home to most animals.
This can also limit the number of available farm produce for those that might survive.
Also, several land animals and people are killed by drowning and dragged into the ocean.
How Do Tsunamis Affect The Atmosphere?
The atmosphere is the least affected by tsunamis, as they don’t have a direct effect on it.
As trees and other plants are uprooted, it can limit the amount of oxygen available in that area.
Trees are responsible for removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but with them gone, the carbon dioxide stored in them will be released back into the atmosphere.
Toxic chemicals from destroyed factories can also be released into the atmosphere during a tsunami.
Breathing some of these industrial gasses can be detrimental to both plants and animals.
And in some cases, tsunamis can lead to fire outbreaks in buildings.
These in turn can lead to the release of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide into the atmosphere.
Tips On How To Survive A Tsunami?
It is difficult to predict ahead of time when a tsunami might hit.
Over time, new technologies have been developed to track underwater earthquakes to help determine the possibility of tsunamis occurring.
Once it is suspected that a tsunami is brewing, alerts are sent through various means to citizens in the affected areas to evacuate.
But there might not be enough time to fully get out of the area before impact.
Tip: If you live in a tsunami-prone area, you should own a disaster kit as it might come in handy when a tsunami strikes.
Here are some tips that might help save your life during a tsunami.
Tip #1: Always Watch Out For Signs Of A Tsunami
If you live close to the sea, you should always be on alert for any signs of an incoming tsunami.
Most tsunamis are caused by an earthquake, which is usually loud.
So if you hear any roars coming from the ocean or the ground shaking, you should immediately leave.
Also, before a tsunami hits land, water around the seashores is sucked in, exposing the floor of the seashore.
Once you notice this, alert the others and find your way to higher grounds.
Tip #2: Seek Higher Ground
Once you notice any signs of an incoming tsunami, your next course of action should be to go to higher ground.
Before the tsunami strikes, leave the coast as quickly as you can, and try to find a location that is 100 feet above sea level.
Tip #3: Take Shelter
You might not have the time to locate and reach higher ground before the tsunami hits.
In situations like this, the best course of action is to seek shelter.
Most areas prone to tsunami attacks now have vertical tsunami shelters built that are capable of withstanding the onslaught of water.
Locate the nearest one if available in your area as soon as you notice the signs of an incoming tsunami.
Tip #4: Hang On Tight As The Waves Hit
Not every location is fortunate enough to have vertical tsunami shelters built. The first wave of a tsunami that hits is usually not that strong.
So if you are caught in it, grab onto a piece of wood or floating debris and tightly hold on to it.
If you can find your way to the top of a roof, do so and hold on tight.
Tip: If you are lucky, it will serve as a floating raft and keep you afloat until the tsunami ends.
Conclusion
Tsunamis are dangerous, destructive, and enormous. It is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths and the destruction of properties worth billions.
This article is meant to answer the question, “how do tsunamis affect the geosphere and other spheres of the earth?”
This will help you better understand the extent of damage tsunamis can cause, even after their initial impact.
