meteotsunami

Definition

A large, tsunami-like ocean wave created by rapid changes in atmospheric pressure and wind rather than seismic activity.

Etymology

A portmanteau formed from the prefix meteo- (relating to weather or the atmosphere) and the Japanese word tsunami (harbor wave). It entered common usage in the late 20th century as scientific understanding of non-seismic waves improved.

In the news

The article suggests a meteotsunami, locally called a rissaga, may have caused the simultaneous sinking of three medieval ships in a Menorcan harbor. The phenomenon remains a dangerous threat to the island's boats today.

In 1240s, three trading ships vanished in a Menorca cove, archaeologists have now found their wrecks and a

The Economic Times

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