Would the earth be overrun by tidal waves if the moon went off of its orbit?

Answer 1

It would depend where the moon were to go. If the moon's orbit were to increase and it began to pull away from the Earth then it's gravitational effect would lessen and, in the long run at least, waves would actually become less violent. On the other hand if it's orbit were to decay (a more likely prospect, technically speaking), then the opposite would happen and we would see stronger waves. However the movement of the moon doesn't govern Tidal waves. Tidal waves are caused by underwater earthquakes which displace enough of the water surrounding the epicentre to create a cascade of force that, by the time it reaches the shore, is many times stronger than when it first began.

Answer 2

It's important to remember that tidal waves in the sense of tsunamis have nothing to do with the Moon or tides, but rather are caused by coastal and undersea earthquakes; it's a misnomer. If the Moon somehow suddenly came closer to the Earth, tides would be enhanced, and some low-lying coastal areas may begin to flood on a daily basis. If the Moon moved away, then tides would be weakened. Either would probably be somewhat harmful, since organisms and technology are adapted to the tides as we know them now. If the Moon came extremely close to the Earth, its would break apart in our gravitational field and we'd be more worried about Moon chunks raining down than about tidal waves. Another larger issue would be the effect on Earth's rotation and axial tilt, which could impact the planet's magnetic field and seasonal climate variation. All of these issues would probably be more significant than the changes in the manifestation of the tides.

Answer 3

What do you mean "went off its orbit?"

If it was to enter an elliptical orbit than was at one point very close to the earth, then the "tidal" effect would not only pull on the water in the oceans, but also the liquid under the solid crust of the earth.

This would probably cause an increase in earthquakes, which are the primary reason for tidal waves. These waves of water would be nothing in comparison to the shift in the tectonic plates of the crust.

If the orbit changed from the "circle" it is in to an ellipse such that the moon went from twice it's current distance (at the farthest point) to half its current distance (at the closest point) then the increase in earthquake and possible volcanic activity would destroy all life as we know it.

Answer 4

Earthquakes, tidal waves, tornadoes, etc. etc. We would not survive. Game over.

Answer 5

i am not a scientist but i think it would lets hope it never happens so we dont find out