Tsunamis in Oregon
Oregon’s coastline is famous for its dramatic beauty—steep cliffs, misty beaches, and charming seaside towns. But hidden beneath this peaceful surface lies a serious natural threat: tsunamis. While these powerful waves aren’t frequent, they have shaped the state’s history and remain a major concern for geologists, emergency planners, and coastal communities alike. Understanding where tsunamis come from, how they affect Oregon, and what you can do to prepare is crucial, whether you're a resident or a visitor. Tsunamis are most often caused by large undersea earthquakes, though they can also result from underwater landslides or volcanic eruptions. When the seafloor suddenly shifts, it displaces massive amounts of ocean water, creating waves that race across the ocean at jetliner speeds—sometimes over 500 miles per hour. In the deep sea, these waves can go unnoticed, but when they approach the coast and the ocean shallows, the waves slow down and rise dramatically, tu...
