Wave Transformation: As tsunami waves move from the deep ocean into shallow coastal waters, their speed significantly decreases, but their height dramatically increases (a process called shoaling).
Wall of Water: Instead of a breaking surf wave, a tsunami often appears as a rapidly rising tide or a towering wall of turbulent water.
Inland Inundation: This massive volume of water surges far inland, inundating areas that are usually dry.
Force and Debris: The immense force of the water, coupled with the debris it carries (cars, trees, buildings), can flatten structures, erode coastlines, and cause widespread destruction.
Receding Water: The water then recedes, often pulling debris and people back out to sea, which can be just as dangerous as the initial surge.
Multiple Waves: Tsunamis consist of a series of waves, and subsequent waves can be even larger and more destructive than the first, leading to prolonged danger.
