What is a tsunami?

A tsunami is specifically characterized as a giant water wave caused by significant disturbances, most commonly underwater earthquakes. When an earthquake occurs beneath the ocean floor, it displaces a large volume of water, creating a wave that can travel thousands of miles across the ocean. Unlike regular ocean waves, which are caused by the wind and affect only the surface of the water, a tsunami involves the movement of water from the ocean floor to the surface, resulting in waves that can be extremely powerful and destructive when they reach coastal areas.

Understanding this definition is crucial because it highlights the tsunami's association with seismic activity and its capacity for widespread impact, distinguishing it from other types of waves or natural phenomena, such as sound waves or tidal waves that are inaccurately attributed to lunar cycles. This definition emphasizes the hydro-dynamic nature of tsunamis and their origins, which is essential for recognizing their cause and effects in oceanography and disaster preparedness.