Why is the term tsunami now used instead of tidal wave?
Mar 31, 2010
in
Tsunami
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14 comments
mlaheji on March 31, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Media is master for most people
golden1 on March 31, 2010 at 7:00 pm
trendy
Kaska on March 31, 2010 at 7:00 pm
I think those are two different events.
Stand-up Philosopher on March 31, 2010 at 7:00 pm
because it sounds foreign and dangerous.
AdamKadmon on March 31, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Most people used Tsunami when talking of tidal waves in the Pacific and Tidal Wave when speaking of one in the Atlantic.
They also use Typhoon when speaking of a "hurricane" in the Pacific and "Hurricane" when speaking of a Hurricane in the Atlantic. Somehow, the media just started using Tsunami interchangeably.
Philip H on March 31, 2010 at 7:00 pm
because a tsunami has nothing to do with tides
damned fan on March 31, 2010 at 7:00 pm
It’s those PC thugs that don’t want to offend a tidal wave
metallhd62 on March 31, 2010 at 7:00 pm
It’s not ‘now’, it’s wrong, but a common misconception. A tsunami is caused by an undersea earthquake and can be very dangerous should anyone in SE Asia want a reminder
A tidal wave is usually the result of a bore, and they’re not nearly as destructive
lani s on March 31, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Tsunamis have been historically referred to as tidal waves because as they approach land, they take on the characteristics of a violent onrushing tide rather than the sort of cresting waves that are formed by wind action upon the ocean (with which people are more familiar). However, since tidal waves are not actually related to tides the term is considered misleading ( even though not all tsunami occurred in harbours) and its usage discouraged by oceanographers.
Dale Howard on March 31, 2010 at 7:00 pm
A tsunami is a tidal wave that occurs beneath the surface and causes surge to occur on shore. A tidal wave occurs above the surface and is visible when approaching. Such waves typically dissipate fairly early if the continental shelf protrudes a significant amount beyond the shoreline.
candy2mercy on March 31, 2010 at 7:00 pm
Partly because the large, destructive waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions have nothing to do with tides. Tsunami is slightly more accurate, since it means harbor wave, which is where the most destruction is often seen.
Tidal waves are from flood tides or high winds.
Roy on March 31, 2010 at 7:00 pm
As has been said, a tsunami is not a tidal wave, others have explained how they work, so I won’t repeat it. The word itself is Japanese.
bprice215 on March 31, 2010 at 7:00 pm
because there is a difference
May S on March 31, 2010 at 7:00 pm
It’s not. A tsunami and a tidal wave are two different things. A tsunami is caused by underwater earthquakes in the faults of the ocean crust, whereas a tidal wave is caused by the gravitational pull of the moon.