Subject: How do different waves differ from one another? HOw destructive are they?

Ships have been lost at sea becuase of encounters with very large waves. Large 
ocean waves are referred to by many names such as tidal waves, tsunami, and 
giant waves. HOw large are these waves? How destructive are they? How do they 
differ from one another?  What kinds of warnings do ships have that are going 
to encounter these waves? 

Ocean waves only normally form breakers as they approach the shoreline. Why?

Re: How do different waves differ from one another? HOw destructive are they?