Converts a number from one measurement system to another. For example, CONVERT can translate a table of distances in miles to a table of distances in kilometers. CONVERT (number, from_unit, to_unit). Number is the value in from_units to convert. From_unit is the units for number. To_unit is the units for the result. CONVERT accepts the following text values (in quotation marks) for from_unit and to_unit.
Tsunamis occur most frequently in the Pacific, particularly along the Pacific Ring of Fire . This zone is found at the northern edge of the Pacific Plate and refers to the geologically most active fields of the earth. Several times a year, strong earthquakes of at least 7 on the Richter scale result in tsunamis. Japan, for example, is hit by a tsunami at least once a year.
The tsunami, which hit communities as far afield as Thailand, Indonesia, Somalia and Madagascar, was sparked by a massive, 9.1 magnitude earthquake which struck off the western coast of Northern Sumatra, Indonesia.