The tsunami waves were triggered by a massive earthquake off northern Sumatra

The tsunami waves were triggered by a massive earthquake off northern Sumatra.

The devastating Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004 was caused by a massive undersea earthquake that occurred off the coast of northern Sumatra. This earthquake, also known as the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake, had a magnitude of 9.1-9.3, making it one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded.

Location: Off northern Sumatra
The earthquake epicenter was located in the Indian Ocean, approximately 160 kilometers off the west coast of northern Sumatra, Indonesia. The region is known for its high seismic activity due to the complex interactions between the Indian and Australian tectonic plates.

Magnitude: 9.1-9.3
The earthquake was of immense magnitude, measuring between 9.1 and 9.3 on the Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw). This means that it released a tremendous amount of energy, equivalent to the explosion of billions of tons of TNT.

Undersea earthquake
The earthquake occurred beneath the ocean floor, specifically along the fault line where the Indian and Australian plates meet. The movement along this subduction zone caused the seafloor to uplift and displace a massive amount of water.

Impact on water column
As the seafloor shifted, it caused a vertical displacement of the water column above it. This sudden uplift created a series of powerful waves that radiated outward from the epicenter. These waves are known as tsunami waves.

Propagation of tsunami waves
The tsunami waves traveled across the Indian Ocean, rapidly gaining energy and speed as they moved away from the source. The waves propagated in all directions, reaching the coastlines of numerous countries bordering the Indian Ocean.

Devastating consequences
The tsunami waves struck the coastlines of many countries, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The hardest-hit areas were in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, and the Maldives. The waves reached heights of up to 30 meters in some places, devastating coastal communities and infrastructure.

In conclusion, the massive earthquake off northern Sumatra triggered the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004. The earthquake's immense magnitude and the resulting displacement of the water column led to the propagation of powerful tsunami waves that caused widespread devastation along the coastlines of several countries.