A tidal wave is a shallow water wave caused by the gravitational interactions between the Sun, Moon, and Earth ("tidal wave" was used in earlier times to describe what we now call a tsunami.) A tsunami is an ocean wave triggered by large earthquakes...

Where do tidal waves occur?

Tidal waves are phenomena seen most at coastal areas. A majority of tsunamis (80%) occur in the Pacific Ocean but can occur in any large body of water if the underlying causes are present. Tidal waves occur daily at a coastal area.

Is a tsunami bigger than a tidal wave?

Tsunamis are not tidal waves. Tsunami waves can be very long (as much as 60 miles, or 100 kilometers) and be as far as one hour apart. They are able to cross entire oceans without great loss of energy.