Wikipedia:POTD column/September 2, 2006



An animated image of the tsunami caused by the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake, showing how the tsunami radiated from the entire length of the 1,200 km (750 mi) rupture. The leading fronts of the waves appear to hesitate before hitting the shore. This effect occurs because waves slow down in shallower water; tsunamis travel fastest in the deeper ocean.

Image credit: Vasily V. Titov/Malu5531/Veledan Archive - More featured pictures...