How does a tsunami compare to breakers you might see crashing on shore at a beach?

Answer 1

A tsunami is a series of large ocean waves caused by underwater disturbances, such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, and can travel across entire ocean basins with great speed and energy. In contrast, beach breakers are smaller waves generated by wind interacting with shallow coastal waters, typically breaking as they approach the shore. While breakers dissipate energy upon reaching the beach, tsunamis maintain their energy, resulting in devastating impacts when they hit land. Additionally, tsunamis have a much longer wavelength and can inundate coastal areas, whereas breakers usually cause localized, less destructive surf.