TSUNAMIS

'Tsunami' is the Japanese name for the gravity wave system formed in the sea following any large scale, short-duration disturbance of the free surface. American researchers now prefer 'tsunami' to 'tidal wave' because of the erroneous tidal connotation. But, in fact, 'tsunami' means 'tidal wave' in Japanese. While past tsunamis have caused great damage and loss of life along oceanic shorelines, their relative infrequency and complex local behavior has resulted in widespread misconceptions as to their true nature even among scientists. This report based on very recent advances in tsunami research, will undoubtedly be modified as more data become available. (Author) To be published in: Advances in Hydroscience, Vol. III, Academic Press, New York.