If we're splitting hairs, the correct term for what I'm describing is indeed tsunami (rough translation - "harbor wave"). However, the correct term for what you describe is not a tidal wave, but a tidal bore. I've experienced them in two places I've lived, Maine (Bay of Fundy) and Alaska (Turnagain Arm in Cook Inlet).
Tidal wave is a catch-all phrase used to most commonly describe a tsunami when it reaches landfall. And although you're right, energy is dispersed and not collected as a tsunami nears landfall, tsunamis give the appearance of energy collection due to the shallowing of the water depth. Hence the reason surfing is much more popular on the west coast than on the east, as the sea floor comes-up much more gradually on the west coast. Thus, the waves are bigger
Dennis Plante
Jordan
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