Question Introduction The question that was selected as the topic for discussion in this work is “How did oceanographers figure out the physical nature of tsunami?” The importance of this question is proved by the numerous cases of tsunami that have been hitting Asia over the recent years (GITEWS, 2009). Accordingly, for us as students it is of crucial importance to know how tsunamis develop and how the oceanographers have managed to study the nature of tsunami. As well, it is necessary for us to know about the specific equipment used in tsunami research and the means of predicting tsunami and fighting its effects. Thus, the current paper starts with providing the background information on tsunami that can help introduce the topic to the wide audience. Next, the paper moves on to discussing the methods and equipment oceanographers used to study the nature of tsunami. Finally, the paper concludes with new challenges that appeared in the study of the physical nature of tsunami. Tsunami Background Information However, to study the tsunami research equipment it is necessary first to realize what tsunami is and how it is formed. Thus, Nelson (2009) defines tsunami as “a very long-wavelength wave of water that is generated by sudden displacement of the seafloor or disruption of any body of standing water”. Tsunamis are characterized by wave length, height, amplitude, and velocity. According to Nelson (2009), wave length is the distance between similar points of the wave; the concepts of tsunami wave height and amplitude are interconnected, as the height is the distance between tsunami’s trough and peak, while the amplitude of tsunami refers to the height of this wave above the level of the still water (Nelson, 2009). Although scholars often refer to tsunamis as “seismic sea waves”, Nelson (2009) argues that such a definition is not appropriate because tsunamis can have other causes of emergence than earthquake and other seismic activities. The major natural reasons that cause tsunamis include earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, underwater explosions, and meteorite impacts (Nelson, 2009). Also, the phenomena called Drawdown and Run-up characterize the deceptive nature of tsunamis. Nelson (2009) describes tsunami drawdown as a situation when the trough of the tsunami hits the coast prior to the peak of the wave. Usually it is perceived as the decrease of the sea level and is not associated with danger. However, instantly the peak of tsunami heats and usually people and facilities on the coast turn out to be unprepared for this. Thus, the consequences of tsunamis are rather hazardous, especially when regions facing the threats of tsunami fail to carry out preventive measures and citizens’ education in regard of tsunami safety rules (Borrero, 2005, p. 312; Liu, 2000, p. 2). Drawing from this, the research of the physical nature of tsunami has always been considered a vital need for the safety of the humanity and for saving of thousands of lives. Account on Tsunami Studies Needless to say, oceanographers paid considerable attention to the diligent study of the physical nature of tsunami. The first step in this process was the outline of the major areas of interest and establishment of the appropriate methodologies and sets of equipment to explore them. Of course, the initial stages of tsunami research were rather based on people’s impression and thoughts about the possible nature of the disaster, as well as observations of this natural disas