Science A tsunami is a series of ocean waves that appear when the shape of the bottom of the ocean moves. Large earthquakes located near the ocean floor or landslides most commonly cause these waves. Scientists use seismometers to warn them of large earthquakes as soon as they occur. They can then predict if a tsunami will hit, by using information on when and where the earthquake occurred.
Hurricanes are the most destructive storms on Earth.
Although few hurricanes have hit the Hawaiian Islands, several storms have been very destructive. Hurricane Iniki, which struck Kauai in 1992, was very powerful and destructive storm. Meet the Scientists Gerard Fryer studies tsunamis and the earthquakes and landslides that cause them. To hear more about tsunamis, click here. He's the director of the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.