What is a tsunami?

A tsunami is specifically characterized as a series of ocean waves generated primarily by significant disturbances such as underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. These events cause abrupt shifts in the ocean floor or the displacement of a large volume of water, leading to the generation of waves that can travel across entire ocean basins.

The immense energy produced by these geological changes distinguishes tsunamis from other types of waves, such as those created by wind, which are generally much smaller and less powerful. Unlike typical wind-driven waves that break on the shore due to wind energy, tsunamis can have very long wavelengths and maintain high speeds in deep water, usually unnoticed until they approach shallower coastal areas where they can grow in height, often resulting in devastating impacts upon landfall.

In contrast, the other options describe phenomena that do not accurately define what a tsunami is. For instance, gentle waves caused by wind pertain to standard ocean waves, and tidal waves or tides are influenced by the gravitational forces of the moon. Additionally, large internal waves occur within the ocean rather than resulting from a surface disturbance and do not share the same properties or origins as tsunamis. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for comprehending the unique nature and potential hazards associated with ts