Book 12, Question 36
Why Is “Tidal Wave” a Misleading Name?
A tsunami has nothing to do with the tides. The word comes from Japanese and means harbor wave. Using the right word helps people understand what is happening, and what to do.
More fun facts
- Tsunamis are often called tidal waves, but that name is wrong.
- Tsunamis have nothing to do with tides.
- Oceanographers discourage the term tidal wave.
- A tsunami and a true tidal wave are two different, unrelated things.
- In 2004, tsunami waves reached 51 meters (167 feet) high in Aceh, Indonesia.
Sources: NOAA Ocean Service, NOAA, U.S. Geological Survey
Questions kids ask
What is a real tidal wave, then?
A regular shallow water wave caused by the pull between the Sun, Moon and Earth.