Diagram showing shoaling of a tsumani.
Rights: The University of Waikato Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato Published 2 May 2011 Size: 170 KB Referencing Hub media

In deep water, a tsunami moves very fast and has a long wavelength and a small amplitude. As it enters shallower water, it slows down and the wavelength decreases. This causes the wave to become much taller.

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