# What is a meteotsunami? - Source: NOAA Ocean Facts (ocean-facts.noaa.gov), Public domain, NOAA National Ocean Service, Ocean Facts - Reading level: Grades 6 to 8 - Subjects: Weather, Ocean, Science - Topics: meteotsunamis, meteotsunami, storm, waves, heard, large - Length: 202 words, about 1 min - By: NOAA National Ocean Service - Original: - Page: - Open in Sprouts: Meteotsunamis are large waves caused by storms. You’ve heard of tsunamis—those giant oceanic waves triggered primarily by earthquakes that can roll ashore, causing loss of life and disaster. But have you heard of meteotsunamis? Meteotsunamis are large waves that scientists are just beginning to better understand. Unlike tsunamis triggered by seismic activity, meteotsunamis are driven by air-pressure disturbances often associated with fast-moving weather events, such as severe thunderstorms, squalls, and other storm fronts. The storm generates a wave that moves towards the shore, and is amplified by a shallow continental shelf and inlet, bay, or other coastal feature. Meteotsunamis have been observed to reach heights of 6 feet or more. They occur in many places around the world, including the Great Lakes, Gulf of America, Atlantic Coast, and the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. Identifying a meteotsunami is a challenge because its characteristics are almost indistinguishable from a seismic tsunami. It can also be confused with wind-driven storm surge or a seiche. These uncertainties make it difficult to predict a meteotsunami and warn the public of a potential event. However, NOAA scientists have identified atmospheric conditions that are likely to generate a meteotsunami and continue to work on ways to forecast them. ## Picture credits - NOAA National Ocean Service, Public domain (US government work) ()