OT tragicomedy

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

Tidal waves have nothing to do with
tides.

Actually, true tidal waves have everything to do with tides, and can
be huge (and come in twice a day). When the incoming water from the
tide is focused in an inlet of the proper shape and orientation, the
resulting pile of water can get very high. It happens twice a day and
is called a tidal wave.

Jose
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"Jose" wrote in message
. com...
Tidal waves have nothing to do with
tides.

Actually, true tidal waves have everything to do with tides, and can
be huge (and come in twice a day). When the incoming water from the
tide is focused in an inlet of the proper shape and orientation, the
resulting pile of water can get very high. It happens twice a day and
is called a tidal wave.

I believe you are thinking of a tidal bore. It is not called a tidal wave.