Recent news stories have raised alarms about the possibility of so-called “mega-tsunamis”—massive waves caused not by earthquakes, but by volcanic collapses or landslides. The idea of a 1,000-foot wave crashing into the U.S. coastline sounds like something out of a disaster movie, but scientists stress that these scenarios are extremely rare and mostly theoretical.

Researchers are studying ancient geological events, such as asteroid impacts and volcanic collapses, to better understand what might trigger such catastrophes in the future. One area of focus is the Cumbre Vieja volcano in the Canary Islands. Some theories suggest that a collapse there could send a tsunami across the Atlantic Ocean. However, experts point out that this volcano has erupted in the past without causing such devastation, and the likelihood of a future collapse creating a transatlantic tsunami remains very low.

The parts of the U.S. most at risk for tsunamis—Alaska, Hawaii, and the West Coast—are already equipped with robust early-warning systems and strong disaster response plans.

The bottom line? Scientists are actively working to monitor natural hazards and improve our ability to respond. Thanks to continued research and preparation, American communities are safer and more resilient in the face of potential threats.