What is a tsunami?

A tsunami is defined as a wave produced by the sudden movement of large volumes of water, typically caused by underwater disturbances such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides. This sudden displacement of water generates waves that travel across the ocean at high speeds, and as they approach coastal areas, they can grow in height and cause significant destruction.

The focus on the rapid movement of water is key to understanding the nature of tsunamis, as they differ fundamentally from other types of waves such as those created by wind or rip currents. Wind-generated waves primarily result from the energy transferred from wind to the water surface, while rip currents are localized water movements that occur near the shore and are not related to large-scale water displacement. The term "shallow water wave" pertains to a physical characteristic of the wave as it interacts with the ocean floor but does not capture the cause or implications of a tsunami. Thus, the definition highlighting the sudden movement of large volumes of water most accurately describes the phenomenon of a tsunami.