IntroductionOn 26 December 2004, shortly after midnight, seismic sensors detected an earthquake measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale (Doc. 8). The epicenter of this earthquake was just off the coast of Indonesia (Doc. 3). As is always possible in the case of a large earthquake (Doc. 4), a huge tsunami formed, extending approximately 1,000 miles from its center (Doc. 1). This tsunami caused what, according to the then United Nations emergency relief coordinator, “could be the worst natural disaster in recent history” (Doc. 1).CauseThe earth's crust is composed of numerous islands floating in a sea of ​​magma , which surrounds the earth and is constantly in circulation. This circulation allows the movement of plaques, which can often result in various natural phenomena. Among the most common are earthquakes. Earthquakes typically occur near transform boundaries or in places where plates rub against each other. However, they can occur wherever the plaques move. Near the earthquake's epicenter, two plates collided (Doc. 2) to form an incredibly unstable fault line, the Burma-India plate boundary (Doc. 5). When the Indian plate subducted, or slid under, the Burmese plate (Doc. 2), rocks became entangled in the Burmese plate and created enormous amounts of pressure. Because the boundary was 600 miles long (Doc. 1), large amounts of force built up on the plates, setting the stage for a massive earthquake. On December 26, 2004, the pressure became too much for the plates to bear (Doc. 8); the plates broke violently. This sent huge vibrations, collectively called an earthquake, through the Earth's crust. These seismic waves traveled from sea to land, wreaking havoc in their path. While earthquakes are always dangerous, they can have much more... middle of paper... detect events that could cause a tsunami, integrate these systems (Doc. 10). A few years after the tsunami, another earthquake and tsunami hit... Japan. Japan, a country constantly plagued by earthquakes and tsunamis, was ready. Warning systems in the Pacific warned people long before the tsunami hit. Additionally, emergency planning allowed people to evacuate in an orderly manner. Thanks to these efforts, the death toll in Japan was only. Despite all these preparations, the countries around the Bay of Bengal still have a lot to do. First, various tsunami prevention systems need to be built. Secondly, the people of Southeast Asia need to be made aware of the various risks that come with living near a seismic border. Regardless, this tsunami has taught people not to get too comfortable with nature and to remain vigilant, because nature strikes when you least expect it..