Acehtsunami

Most people think that there is no difference between a tidal wave and a tsunami, and often use the words interchangeably. This is inaccurate, and while both of the waves carry the power of devastation, the greatest difference is how each is born.

A tidal wave is directly forced by the atmosphere. The correlating factors between the sun, moon, and Earth cause a annoyance in the sea, and a ’shallow water wave’ is formed. Shallow water waves imply that the development of a tidal wave is much closer to the shoreline of a land mass that will ultimately be in its path. However, because of the depth relating to it origins, it is possible that a tidal wave can ‘burn itself out’ before it reaches the land.

The origin of the tsunami is much deeper. It is caused by a deep disturbance along the ocean floor. This disturbance usually comes from an underwater earthquake, or even an underwater landslide. The deeper origin of the tsunami creates a more emphatic wave. It will often carry itself across hundreds, or even thousands, of miles of ocean before making landfall.