Final answer:
A storm surge is caused by strong winds pushing water towards the shore during a storm or hurricane, while a tsunami is caused by underwater disturbances such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.
Step-by-step explanation:
A storm surge is a sudden rise in sea level in coastal areas during a storm or hurricane caused by strong winds blowing onshore. On the other hand, a tsunami is a series of sea waves caused by an underwater earthquake, landslide, or volcanic eruption.
Storm surges are primarily caused by strong winds pushing water towards the shore, resulting in a temporary increase in sea level. Tsunamis, on the other hand, are caused by the displacement of a large volume of water, usually due to an earthquake, and can travel at high speeds over long distances.
In summary, storm surges and tsunamis differ in their causes and mechanisms of formation, with storm surges being primarily wind-driven and tsunamis being caused by underwater disturbances.