Report | After the decline of water in Morocco, Libya and parts of Egypt... What is the decline of sea water and does it really cause tsunami waves?

Weather of Arabia - Egyptian beaches have recently witnessed the phenomenon of receding sea water, which has raised concerns among residents and prompted the authorities to investigate the matter. As the disturbing news spread, the Cabinet Media Center contacted the National Institute for Astronomical and Geophysical Research to verify the veracity of this news.

The Institute confirmed that the news indicating the effects of earthquakes behind this receding is not true, explaining that what happened is a natural phenomenon linked to normal tidal cycles and climate changes. The Institute stressed that these phenomena do not herald any potential disasters such as tsunamis or hurricanes.

The institute appealed to the public not to be led by rumors and to rely on official sources to obtain information. He explained that the water level is expected to return to normal at naturally specified times, which enhances confidence in scientific responses to natural phenomena.

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An earthquake in the Mediterranean Sea lost its water... Controversy in Egypt and the authorities clarify

Media release
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Regarding what some media outlets, as well as some social networking sites, reported about the possibility of a tsunami occurring in the Mediterranean Sea in the coming days, or that the receding sea water on some Egyptian beaches was caused by earthquakes in the region. pic.twitter.com/Q0J5avTxGS

— National Institute for Astronomical Research - Helwan Observatory (@NRIAG) July 23, 2024

What is the phenomenon of receding sea water?

Receding sea water, also known as ebb tide, is a natural phenomenon that occurs when water levels along a beach decrease. This phenomenon is mainly affected by the gravity between the Earth, the Moon and the Sun, which affects the movement of the oceans.

• Tidal cycle

Ebb and tide usually occur on a daily basis and consist of two cycles: rising tide when the water rises and ebb tide when the water falls. This cycle affects marine activities such as fishing and navigation, and has important impacts on coastal ecosystems.

• Relationship with tsunami

Sometimes, unusual, strong receding phenomena can be an indicator of a tsunami, where water withdraws dramatically from the shore before returning in force in high waves. This type of decline requires caution and preparation for the next event.

Does receding sea water cause a tsunami?

According to the National Geographic website, receding sea water could be an early indicator of a tsunami. A tsunami is a series of powerful waves caused by large undersea disturbances, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or underwater landslides.

• Mechanism of tsunami occurrence and water receding

1. Initial disturbance: When a strong earthquake occurs under the ocean, huge energy waves are generated that travel through the water.
2. Receding water: Sometimes, the first waves pull large amounts of water away from the shore, causing unusual receding seawater. This receding can be especially noticeable on flat and sloping beaches.
3. Powerful rush of water: After a short period of receding, high tsunami waves follow, hitting the shore with great force.

• Natural signs indicating a possible tsunami

1. Long-lasting earthquakes: The longer the tremors last, the more likely a tsunami will form.
2. The ocean's behavior suddenly changes: when the sea turns from calm to turbulent unexpectedly.
3. Unusual receding ocean water: This is another strong evidence that the water may be returning with greater force and higher elevation.
4. Loud sounds or roaring from the ocean: It can indicate that the waves are getting larger and a tsunami may be about to arrive.

Receding sea water in Morocco, Libya and parts of Egypt pic.twitter.com/3FNStm6q6i

- Rashid_Almethen (@rashidalmethen) July 25, 2024

The strongest tsunami waves hit the Mediterranean Sea

The Mediterranean Sea has witnessed many tsunamis, caused by strong earthquakes, landslides or active volcanoes along the border between the African continent and the Western European and Asian continents.

1. 3,500 years ago: A tsunami destroyed the Minoan civilization on the island of Crete.
2. 365 AD: An earthquake measuring 8.5 on the Richter scale struck the coast of Crete, leading to a tsunami that killed 5,000 people in Alexandria alone.
3. 1908: A 13-meter tsunami hit the European coast as a result of an earthquake deep in the sea off the coast of Sicily, killing more than two thousand people.
4. 2003: The western Mediterranean witnessed a tsunami reaching a height of about two meters, which caused damage to the beaches of the Spanish Balearic Islands.

See also:

Egypt | What is the truth about the news about the possibility of a tsunami occurring in the Mediterranean Sea in the coming days?

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