WEBVTT FILE 1 00:00:00.030 --> 00:00:04.050 2 00:00:04.050 --> 00:00:08.090 A new NASA study is challenging a conventional theory about how tsunamis form. 3 00:00:08.090 --> 00:00:12.100 4 00:00:12.100 --> 00:00:16.130 Tsunamis are usually created by the movement of the seafloor during earthquakes. 5 00:00:16.130 --> 00:00:20.190 6 00:00:20.190 --> 00:00:24.220 7 00:00:24.220 --> 00:00:28.410 Using a large wave tank, researchers recreated these earthquakes 8 00:00:28.410 --> 00:00:32.600 and found that horizontal seafloor displacement contributes to the formation and power of the wave. 9 00:00:32.600 --> 00:00:36.760 10 00:00:36.760 --> 00:00:40.940 11 00:00:40.940 --> 00:00:44.970 Previously, it was thought that only vertical displacement of the seafloor could trigger tsunamis. 12 00:00:44.970 --> 00:00:49.060 13 00:00:49.060 --> 00:00:53.100 14 00:00:53.100 --> 00:01:05.866 Better understanding how tsunamis develop can improve future forecasts and potentially save lives.