The word tsunami is derived from the Japanese word meaning seismic sea wave, a large ocean wave caused by an undersea earthquake. Tsunamis are more commonly called "tidal waves" but actually have no relation with any form of ocean tides. .
Tsunamis are speculated to originate from: earthquakes that occur over the ocean region, under-water eruptions of volcanoes, or even possibly a landslide that may occur under-water. These seismic style occurances can cause a ripple style effect on the water near the epicenter or originating point of the seismic event. One of the more commonly known epicenters of these waves is "The Ring of Fire" located in the Pacific Ocean. This ring is formed by thousands of under-water volcanoes that are confined into a small region. .
These ripple effects, caused by the seismic events, can come with great devastation or have little to no effect on civilization. After the seismic activity, the waves begin to carry throughout the ocean, progressively gaining speed as it travels longer distances. Tsunami waves have been known to travel hundreds of miles, if not more, before the waves finally come ashore on a coast line. As the waves travel a distance, they pick up speed which can cause a deadly ending when the waves reach the coastline. The speed of these waves or ripples, have been known to surpass an actual airplane. Tsunami waves have been known to reach speeds of 1,160 to 1,280 MPH (miles per hour.) This enormous amount of speed can rarely be detected because the waves are normally no bigger then a few feet. As the waves progress towards the coastal region, the speed of the wave begins to die down as the height begins to increase. While in motion towards the coastline, the waves have been known to reach such heights as 50 to 115 feet, or even higher depending on the coastline and speed of the initial wave. With waves at these heights, beach towns and coastal markets can be completely wiped out in a matter of minutes by a single "tidal wave.