Flexi Says: Scientists monitor tsunamis using networks of seismic and sea-level observation systems. Seismograph stations coordinate data about earthquakes in and near ocean basins that could possibly generate tsunamis. Floating buoys in the ocean provide data about sea level changes. Tsunami are not very tall in the open ocean, but the instruments are sensitive enough to detect even small changes in sea level that can indicate a passing tsunami. Closer to shore, networks of coastal water-level stations are used to confirm tsunami arrival time and height. Combining all of this information allows scientists to track the formation and movement of a tsunami, and to trigger advance tsunami warmings for people in its path.
