Difference between Tsunamis and Ocean Waves

Distinguish, differentiate, compare and explain what is the difference between Tsunamis and Ocean Waves. Comparison and Differences.

Difference between Tsunamis and Ocean Waves

The word tsunami (pronounced soo-NAH-mee) is Japanese; it is derived from tsu, which means harbor, and nami, which means wave. A tsunami is a series of huge waves. It washes against the coast several times with great speed and force.

Sometimes an underwater earthquake causes a huge displacement of water which can generate a tsunami. These giant waves travel thousands of miles across the sea. Not only earthquakes but also landslides, volcanic eruptions, explosions, and even the impact of cosmic bodies, such as meteorites, can generate tsunamis.

Difference between Tsunamis and ocean waves

Tsunamis occur as a result of the movement of a huge volume of seawater from the sea bed to the sea surface. Whereas ocean waves originate by the movement of wind over the sea surface. Tide embankments can protect us from ocean waves but are sometimes overwhelmed by tsunamis.

Tsunami speed changes with the depth of the sea. An underwater earthquake at a depth of 5,000m can generate a tsunami of speeds up to 800km/h. As a tsunami comes closer to the coast, its speed and wavelength decrease, but its height increases.

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Difference between Ocean Waves vs Tsunamis

Tsunamis vs Ocean Waves

Differences between Ocean Waves vs Tsunamis