  In this paper, we use the approximation of shallow water waves (Margaritondo
G 2005 Eur. J. Phys. 26 401) to understand the behaviour of a tsunami in a
variable depth. We deduce the shallow water wave equation and the continuity
equation that must be satisfied when a wave encounters a discontinuity in the
sea depth. A short explanation about how the tsunami hit the west coast of
India is given based on the refraction phenomenon. Our procedure also includes
a simple numerical calculation suitable for undergraduate students in physics
and engineering.

Physics Education