This type of mutation may alter the function of the resulting protein. This type of mutation occurs when the addition or loss of DNA bases changes a gene's reading frame. A reading frame consists of groups of 3 bases that each code for one amino acid.
Tsunami is a Japanese word with the English translation: harbour wave. In the past, tsunamis have been referred to as tidal waves or seismic sea waves. The term tidal wave is misleading; even though a tsunami's impact upon a coastline is dependent upon the tidal level at the time a tsunami strikes, tsunamis are unrelated to the tides. (Tides result from the gravitational influences of the moon, sun, and planets.) The term seismic sea wave is also misleading.
A tsunami is a series of ocean waves generated by sudden displacements in the sea floor, landslides, or volcanic activity. In the deep ocean, the tsunami wave may only be a few inches high. The tsunami wave may come gently ashore or may increase in height to become a fast moving wall of turbulent water several meters high. Although a tsunami cannot be prevented, the impact of a tsunami can be mitigated through community preparedness, timely warnings, and effective response. NOAA has primary responsibility for providing tsunami warnings to the Nation, and a leadership role in tsunami observations and research.