A tsunami alert is a warning issued to inform people about the potential for a tsunami, which is a series of large ocean waves typically caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. These alerts are crucial for public safety, allowing individuals to evacuate coastal areas and seek higher ground before the waves arrive. Tsunami alerts are managed by organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center. They use seismic data and ocean buoys to detect disturbances and issue alerts that can range from watch to warning, indicating the level of threat and necessary actions.