What Is a Meteotsunami?
A meteotsunami is a tsunami-like sea-level disturbance caused by rapid changes in atmospheric pressure, strong winds, or storm fronts rather than earthquakes or volcanic activity.
How Meteotsunamis Form and Spread
Atmospheric pressure jumps or fast-moving weather systems push water toward coastlines, creating waves that can amplify in bays and harbors. These events may last minutes to hours and arrive with little warning.
Why Meteotsunamis Matter for Coastal Risk and Finance
Meteotsunamis can damage ports, coastal infrastructure, and tourism assets, affecting insurance exposure and business continuity. Understanding these hazards helps insurers, investors, and planners price risk more accurately.
For background on ocean-atmosphere interactions, see the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration overview at NOAA Meteotsunami.
