A huge ocean wave that may be caused by earthquakes, often under the ocean floor, is called what?

A huge ocean wave that results from underwater disturbances, such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, is known as a tsunami. This phenomenon is characterized by its ability to travel across entire ocean basins at high speeds and can cause significant destruction when it reaches coastal areas. Tsunamis differ significantly from regular ocean waves, which are primarily caused by wind.

The term "tidal wave" is often misused to describe tsunamis but technically refers to a different type of wave produced by the gravitational effects of the sun and moon on the Earth's oceans. Regular waves, driven by wind action, lack the immense energy and destructive force that tsunamis possess. A rip current, on the other hand, is a strong, narrow current that moves away from the shore and is not associated with the large-scale, devastating wave action characteristic of tsunamis. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in recognizing the nature and implications of such ocean phenomena.