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On Mon, 10 Jan 2005 05:54:07 -0500, Cub Driver
wrote: Likely, but not correct. Tidal Waves are large waves caused by normal tides. Tidal wave: "an exceptionally large ocean wave, esp one caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption ... cf tsunami:" -- Shorter Oxford English Dictionary. Tsunami is of fairly recent vintage in the English language (late 19th century). It means "harbor wave" in Japanese, so in truth is no more accurate than the English term. I suspect it got into common use as a But it is accurate. The Tsunami, or Tidal Wave if you prefer, is almost invisible out in open water. It only manifests its nasty side and size when it reaches relatively shallow water. In open water you most likely would never have known the thing even went by even at 500 MPH. result of scientists' fondness for foreign words and phrases. A large wave caused by a normal tide is a "bore" in this part of the world. Dunno about elsewhere. I've always thought they were exciting rather than a bore. :-)) Incidentally, I believe there are the indications of some tremendous waves having hit the northern parts of Australia. They would be what are referred to as Super Tsunamis with heights of several hundred meters. I don't believe any were in recorded history though. Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member) (N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair) www.rogerhalstead.com -- all the best, Dan Ford email (put Cubdriver in subject line) Warbird's Forum: www.warbirdforum.com Piper Cub Forum: www.pipercubforum.com the blog: www.danford.net |
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On 1/8/05 5:04 PM, in article
, "jim rosinski" wrote: So I don't think it's a renaming. If one of those things hits California [snip] We can only hope it aims for Hollywood. g -- Jeff 'The Wizard of Draws' Bucchino Cartoons with a Touch of Magic http://www.wizardofdraws.com More Cartoons with a Touch of Magic http://www.cartoonclipart.com |
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On 8 Jan 2005 14:04:47 -0800, "jim rosinski"
wrote: Cub Driver wrote: If true, it reinforces my belief that renaming tidal waves as tsunamis was a really really stupid thing to do. We all knew what a tidal wave was! And I bet the secretary of the prime minister of Sri Lanka knew also. Actually, I believe tsunami is one of those weird hemisphere-dependent Although Japanese in origin it is an old and almost universally used term. Roger Halstead (K8RI & ARRL life member) (N833R, S# CD-2 Worlds oldest Debonair) www.rogerhalstead.com words that depends on where the event occurs. Just like "typhoon" in east Asia and "hurricane" in North America. So I don't think it's a renaming. If one of those things hits California it'll probably still be called a "tidal wave". Jim Rosinski |
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Roger wrote:
Actually, I believe tsunami is one of those weird hemisphere-dependent Although Japanese in origin it is an old and almost universally used term. That isn't what I meant. Yes the term tsunami is "universally used". My point was that whether an event is called a "tsunami" or a "tidal wave" may depend on where the event occured. Jim Rosinski |
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![]() "jim rosinski" wrote in message oups.com... Roger wrote: Actually, I believe tsunami is one of those weird hemisphere-dependent Although Japanese in origin it is an old and almost universally used term. That isn't what I meant. Yes the term tsunami is "universally used". My point was that whether an event is called a "tsunami" or a "tidal wave" may depend on where the event occured. No. It depends on when you were born. If you were born before 1960, you probably call it a tidal wave. |
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C J Campbell wrote:
That isn't what I meant. Yes the term tsunami is "universally used". My point was that whether an event is called a "tsunami" or a "tidal wave" may depend on where the event occured. No. It depends on when you were born. If you were born before 1960, you probably call it a tidal wave. Interesting. Searches of online dictionaries don't yield evidence to support my geographical origin-based theory. So I'm inclined to be persuaded by your explanation. Thnx, CJ. Jim Rosinski |
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![]() "jim rosinski" wrote in message oups.com... C J Campbell wrote: That isn't what I meant. Yes the term tsunami is "universally used". My point was that whether an event is called a "tsunami" or a "tidal wave" may depend on where the event occured. No. It depends on when you were born. If you were born before 1960, you probably call it a tidal wave. Interesting. Searches of online dictionaries don't yield evidence to support my geographical origin-based theory. So I'm inclined to be persuaded by your explanation. Thnx, CJ. Kids used to 'learn' a lot from comic books. Dick Tracy fought a tidal wave; Buz Sawyer (IIRC) a tsunami. No doubt Superman has seen both. |
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On 8 Jan 2005 14:04:47 -0800, "jim rosinski"
wrote: If one of those things hits California it'll probably still be called a "tidal wave". Not any longer! The Media have discovered the word, and the Media has learned to love it. They roll it over their tongues like a fine wine. The print types have probably already programmed their spell checkers to change sue nammy to tsunami. -- all the best, Dan Ford email (put Cubdriver in subject line) Warbird's Forum: www.warbirdforum.com Piper Cub Forum: www.pipercubforum.com the blog: www.danford.net |
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