What causes tsunamis to occur?

Tsunamis are caused by underwater disturbances that displace large volumes of water. The most common trigger is an undersea earthquake, where tectonic plates shift and create a sudden movement of the ocean floor. Volcanic eruptions, landslides, and even meteorite impacts can also generate tsunamis. These events create powerful waves that travel across oceans at high speeds, sometimes exceeding 500 mph. As they approach shallow coastal areas, the waves grow in height, causing catastrophic flooding. Early warning systems are critical in minimising the loss of life from these destructive events.