“Tidal wave” is a term used in different ways, but technically refers to the crests of tides that move across the Earth’s surface. Tidal waves can vary in size and are caused by the relationship between the Earth and the moon. Storm surges and tsunamis are not tidal waves, but are often referred to as such. Rogue waves are also sometimes called tidal waves. The misuse of the term is unlikely to fade away.
The term “tidal wave” is used in a variety of ways within and outside the oceanographic community. Technically, tidal waves are the crests of tides that move across the surface of the Earth, and this is the preferred use of the term by oceanographers and other people who study water and ocean movement. However, many laymen refer to other types of waves, such as storm surges and tsunamis, as tidal waves.
In the case of the tidal crest, tidal waves move constantly across the surface of the Earth as the Earth’s water rises and falls, creating the tides. The size of a tidal crest can vary, depending on the relationship between the Earth and the moon and the area. The term “tidal wave” is also used to discuss the tidal bore, a phenomenon that occurs in areas with large extremes between low and high tides. In these regions, when the tides enter a narrow inlet, a large wave develops as the tide rolls in. The tidal bore can move up rivers and streams as it floods into dry land, often moving against a strong current.
To the uninitiated, “tidal waves” are extremely large waves caused by unusual weather conditions. Storm surge involves dramatic increases in ocean height, along with very rough waves, caused by intense stormy conditions. Many hurricanes are accompanied by storm surges that can overcome levies and other barriers designed to hold water, and this flooding of water can cause significant damage, especially in low-lying communities.
Tsunamis are created when large amounts of water are moved. Classically, a tsunami occurs when an earthquake displaces water, creating a powerful wave or set of waves. Tsunamis are particularly common in the Pacific Ocean, around the famous ‘ring of fire’ which is known for its high levels of geological activity. Tsunamis can also be caused by volcanic eruptions when these eruptions appear near water.
Some people also refer to rogue or rogue waves as tidal waves. These waves typically occur offshore and the reasons for their development are somewhat unclear. However these waves form, they can become extremely large. Some researchers suspect that the ships’ mysterious disappearances could be explained by rogue waves that engulfed the craft while they were underway.
Tsunamis, rogue waves, and storm surges have nothing to do with tides, making the term “tidal wave” an inappropriate term to use to refer to them. However, the widespread misuse of this term is unlikely to fade away, and many oceanographers have given up on trying to educate people on what terms to use, especially since the media is particularly fond of describing any unusual wave as a tidal wave, whether it is or the less the tides are involved.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
