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Tsunamis and tidal waves share similarities, as both are massive ocean surges capable of causing destruction. However, they differ in significant ways, including their origin, size, and predictability.
A tidal wave is a relatively shallow wave resulting from the gravitational forces between the Earth, moon, and sun. According to Live Science, this event is predictable due to its alignment with the phases of the moon. Tidal waves are also more frequent because of this, with coastal regions experiencing two high and two low tides approximately every 24 hours and 50 minutes, which is the duration of a lunar day.
Tidal waves are generally much smaller than tsunamis. The University of Alaska [PDF] reports that the highest recorded tide reached 52 feet at the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada. Additionally, tidal waves usually have much longer wavelengths, extending over thousands of miles.
Unlike tidal waves, tsunamis are not influenced by the gravitational forces of celestial bodies. They occur as a result of natural events like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and coastal landslides, making them difficult to predict. Interestingly, approximately 80 percent of tsunamis originate in the Pacific Ocean, due to the 'Ring of Fire,' a region surrounding most of the ocean where tectonic plates shift frequently, causing numerous volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
While most tsunamis are under 10 feet high when they reach land, the largest ones can surpass tidal waves by a wide margin. The biggest tsunami on record was in Lituya Bay, Alaska, in 1958, caused by an earthquake and massive landslide, reaching an astounding 1,720 feet in height. Tsunami wave periods, the time it takes for a wave to pass a given point, can last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour—an incredibly fast rate compared to the 12 to 24 hours typically seen in tidal waves.
Tsunamis are among the most catastrophic natural events due to their unpredictability, immense power, and speed. A single wave can result in thousands of fatalities, injuries, and significant damage to buildings, as well as severe flooding. Coastal regions such as beaches, bays, lagoons, and harbors are particularly susceptible to their devastation.
