Flyin'8 wrote:

Actually, I believe tsunami is one of those weird
hemisphere-dependent
words that depends on where the event occurs.

Likely, but not correct. Tidal Waves are large waves caused by
normal
tides. Tsunamis are waves caused by geographic changes on the ocean
floor.

I wasn't certain of my original words, but this I'm sure is wrong.
Webster's Ninth Collegiate Dictionary gives as a synonym for tsunami:
TIDAL WAVE. And defines "tidal wave" as: "an unusually high sea wave
that sometimes follows an earthquake". And "an unusual rise of water
alongshore due to strong winds". Tidal waves have nothing to do with
tides.

Jim Rosinski