Crustal tsunami

A crustal tsunami is an event in which an abnormally large asteroid (or a planet) collides with another planet, and not only the water on the surface of the planet (if any) is thrust up in a swell so high that it could be seen from space very easily, but also any of the surface of the planet (crust, on the Earth, hence the word "crustal") would also be thrust up in the form of a wave. Although the term applies mostly to the event occurring on Earth, it is highly possible for this event to occur on other planets.
Effects
Obviously, there would be a massive wave of any liquid on the surface in combination with the crust of the planet. Such an event would reveal the molten material beneath the crust (if any), and probably destroy most of the landforms on the surface. There would be much debris floating around the victim planet. An event like this would likely wipe out most, if not all, life forms on the planet.
On Earth
If a crustal tsunami were to happen to the Earth, there would be a massive wall of water splashing away from the impact zone, much higher than necessary to be considered a Megatsunami. The wall of water would be clearly visible from space. Following the wall of water would be a wall of solid crust, and, finally, molten rock. Such an event could potentially destroy the whole planet, obviously wiping out all existing life.
Possibility
It is highly unlikely that mankind will ever witness an event such as a crustal tsunami, as (in the terms of how long a species survives) they are extremely rare occurrences. The last crustal tsunami occurred in the forming of the moon, in which a planet collided with the Earth. Both planets exchanged material, and the other planet fell into orbit with the Earth.
 
< Prev   Next >