What
are tsunamis or tidal waves?
Tsunamis (proncounced soo-nami) or
tidal waves are massive sudden, unexpected and very
large ocean waves. They are caused by a sudden
displacement (movement of water). This could be due
to an undersea earthquake, an undersea landslide or
meteor/asteroid strike.
Tidal wave or
tsunami?
There is sometimes a bit of an argument about what
is the correct term to use. Scientists don't like
the expression tidal wave because tides are caused by the
moon. Although it is understandable to use the term
since historically it looks like the tide suddenly
rushes away and crashes back down as a large
wave.
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 The word tsunami comes from the Japanese
word meaning "harbour wave" but does not have much
to do with harbours. Although again historically
people in harbour areas were/are most at risk of
these devasting waves.
The German word
for tidal wave is Flutwelle that literally means
flood
wave
which is perhaps a good description.
The French word
for tsunami is raz de maree, which means the
power, cutting of the sea.
Seismic sea
waves is
also another term to describe tidal waves.
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