What is a tidal wave?

The heaving sweep of a tidal wave is in no way related  to the ocean tides that sweep daily around the globe, For this reason, experts give it a name of its own. It is called a tsunami and people who live along shores where tsunamis are likely to strike regard them with dread. There is little or no warning and the dramatic event is soon over. But it may leave a wake of utter destruction, wiping out whole cities.

The cause of a tsunami is thought to be an upheaval in the ocean bed, It is likely to occur in regions where the earths crust is restless with volcanoes and earthquakes, An upset in the seabed upsets the ocean above it, making masses of water swing to and fro in a giant wave. The wave travels far, finally breaking on a coastline where it rolls inland, sweeping all before it.