Seismic Sea Waves
I wish I could convince journalist to stop using the misnomer “tidal wave” for what is really a seismic sea wave (“Scientists Report Threat of California Tidal Waves,” Dec. 10). Geoscientists don’t use the term “tidal wave” to designate a seismic sea wave and it is inappropriate for journalists to continue to perpetuate the misnomer because it confuses the public.
Tidal waves are very predictable and largely benign waves that arrive at the Southern California coast twice daily. Each high tide is a tidal wave crest and each low tide is a tidal wave trough. Very little, if any damage, is caused by these tidal waves. Those of us who teach our students and the public about the ocean and earthquake activity shouldn’t have to continually deprogram these individuals.
IVAN P. COLBURN
Professor of Geology and Oceanography
Cal State Los Angeles
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