The Mediterranean Sea is known for its beauty, warmth, and vibrant sea life. It is diverse and stunning, with many beautiful coasts to explore. However, like with any other sea, there are certain risks associated with the Mediterranean Sea. In this article, we will explore the tsunami risk in the Mediterranean Sea in more detail:
How do Tsunamis Happen?
This is a question that many people have. Just like we have earthquakes on land, there is the possibility of an earthquake happening on a submarine level. Other causes also include landslides and volcanic eruptions.
The Level of Risk
So, why is the Mediterranean Sea at high risk? The answer to this lies in its size. The Mediterranean Sea is quite small compared to the other seas. Hence, the villages on the coast are at risk. The problem is that if a tsunami occurs, the villagers may not have enough to be warned. This is why it is important to address this issue and find solutions.
The magnitude of these submarine earthquakes in the Mediterranean Sea can even reach up to 8, and such an earthquake can be a terrible incident for the coasts and other countries. This is why the Tsunami Early Warning and Mitigation System has been developed. You will also find the existence of disaster prevention organizations that will have the knowledge and expertise to deal with such issues.
Tsunamis can be of two types: They can be either ‘near-field’ or ‘far-field.’ In the case of ‘near-field’ tsunamis, the cause of the tsunami is usually a landslide. Hence, it can be very restricted in its scope and capacity, although it can certainly be destructive.
The ‘far-field’ tsunamis, on the other hand, can happen off-shore, and they can be devastating in their consequences. They can be as a result of a volcano eruption. The Mediterranean region is certainly a region of concern as it is well known for its volcanos. This possibility cannot be eliminated.
Historical Records
Although the Mediterranean Sea has so far not experienced major tsunami events like those seen in the Indian Ocean, it certainly carries a risk. There is even a historical account of how there was once a devastating and tragic tsunami event that affected the Israeli coast around 4000 years ago.
It is usually quite difficult to find historical accounts of tsunamis. They may either be damaged, lost, or simply not recorded due to people’s inability to write or perhaps because they escaped or died. It can be difficult to identify and say for sure whether the history of the Mediterranean Sea has seen its share of tsunamis. However, it carries all the same risks that the other seas carry.
To Sum Up
The Mediterranean region remains a place that is loved by many people around the world. It is famous for its sandy beaches and wonderful, relaxed environments. However, with the rise in sea levels, it has become important to consider the safety of people, warn them and have proper evacuation routes ready.
