Learn how earthquakes create tsunamis and why these tidal waves cause so much death and destruction when they hit land. Observe how scientists in the United States monitor earthquakes and warn citizens in the event of a potential tsunami.

Originally released by National Geographic, 2007. Streaming video file encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on April 07, 2015.

Tsunami 101 (3:00); --Wilkinson- tsunami (0:32); -- tsunami forming - wheelis (0:44); -- tsunami-wheelis (0:45); .