Try It Part 2
Continue reading and then determine the author’s purpose and the text structure selected to present the information.
Read paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 of the Tsunami article Opens a new window article from the CDC, and complete the follow-up activities.
Why are tsunamis so destructive?
3 During a normal storm or hurricane, the combination of strong winds and low pressure weather systems can cause the ocean's water to build up and quickly rush ashore. This is called a storm surge and can be dangerous because of heavy flood waters.
4 However, a tsunami is even more powerful! Once a tsunami occurs in the middle of the ocean, it can travel thousands of miles at 300-600 miles an hour without losing much energy. When all that force hits the land, it hits it hard! And it's not just one wave. In fact, more waves can arrive every 10 to 45 minutes, so the destruction can continue for several hours.
5 But tsunamis aren't always destructive. For example, Hawaii's coasts were evacuated in 1986 after a tsunami warning was issued. When it finally hit the shore, the wave was less than a foot tall and didn't cause any damage.
