floodtides
Overwhelming incoming tides
Floodtides are the incoming tides that raise water levels along coasts and in tidal rivers, the opposite of ebb tides.
The term extends figuratively to any powerful surge or overwhelming influx: a floodtide of immigrants, the floodtide of public opinion.
Whether literal or metaphorical, floodtides suggest forces that sweep in with considerable momentum and volume.
The one-word spelling is less common than the two-word flood tides.
Maximum tidal range
- highwaterPeak tidal elevation
- lowtideOcean at minimum level
- semidiurnalTwice in one day
- diurnalActive during daylight
syzygy · lunar · gravitational · tidepool · oceanography · thalassic · littoral · intertidal
Increase in size
- crestHighest point or tuft
- waveOscillating motion through medium
- billowSwell outward with air
- gushFlow out forcefully
rush · torrent · outpouring · deluge · upsurge · spate · inrush · onrush
Sudden rise or increase
- escalationProgressive increase in intensity
- groundswellGrowing public sentiment
- proliferationRapid increase in quantity
- influxSudden large arrival
outpouring · wave · explosion · avalanche · onslaught · barrage · profusion · abundance
springtide
Maximum tidal range
- highwaterPeak tidal elevation
- lowtideOcean at minimum level
- semidiurnalTwice in one day
diurnal · syzygy · lunar · gravitational · tidepool · oceanography · thalassic · littoral · intertidal · estuarine
swell
Increase in size
gush · rush · torrent · outpouring · deluge · upsurge · spate · inrush · onrush · cascade
upswell
Sudden rise or increase
- escalationProgressive increase in intensity
- groundswellGrowing public sentiment
- proliferationRapid increase in quantity
influx · outpouring · wave · explosion · avalanche · onslaught · barrage · profusion · abundance · glut
recede
Move back from
- withdrawalAct of taking away
- retreatSanctuary or withdrawal
- subsideDecrease in intensity
wane · diminish · outflow · drainage · ebbing · falling · lowtide · slack · reflux · recession