The spelling of the word "tidal basin" is straightforward once you understand its pronunciation. The first syllable "ti-" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, as in "tip". The second syllable contains a diphthong, which means it begins with a vowel and ends with another vowel or a consonant. The "-dal" part has a long "a" sound, like in the word "day," while the "-si" is pronounced with a short "i" sound. The final syllable "-n" is simply pronounced as the letter "n".
A tidal basin is a geographical term referring to a body of water that is directly influenced by tides. It is usually a large, enclosed or semi-enclosed area that is connected to a larger body of water, such as an ocean or a bay. Tidal basins can be found in coastal regions and are often characterized by the regular rise and fall of water levels due to the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun.
One key feature of a tidal basin is the presence of tidal fluctuations, which result in a noticeable and predictable change in water levels at regular intervals. These variations in water height can greatly impact the basin's ecosystem, influencing the distribution of marine species, the formation of sandbars, and the erosion of coastlines.
Tidal basins are known to support diverse marine habitats, including salt marshes, mudflats, and sea grass beds, which provide a suitable environment for various forms of marine life, including fish, invertebrates, and birds. Due to their ecological significance, tidal basins are often protected and managed as important coastal ecosystems.
Additionally, tidal basins can have practical human applications. They are sometimes utilized for recreational activities such as boating, fishing, or birdwatching. Tidal basins may also be used for industrial purposes, including ports, harbors, and tidal power generation, where the ebb and flow of the water can be harnessed to generate electricity.
In summary, a tidal basin is a body of water that experiences regular tidal movements and plays an essential role in supporting diverse marine ecosystems and human activities along coastal areas.
• A dock that is filled on the having no tides.
• A dock that if filled on the rising of the tide.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "tidal basin" originated from the combination of two separate words: "tidal" and "basin".
The term "tidal" is derived from the Old English word "tid", meaning "time" or "period". In this context, it refers to the regular rise and fall of the sea caused by the gravitational interactions between the Earth, moon, and sun.
"Basin", on the other hand, is derived from the Old French word "bacin" which means "container" or "vessel". It entered English from the Old French word "bac", meaning "shallow vessel or dish".
When these two words are combined, "tidal basin" is formed. It refers to a body of water or a shallow reservoir that is influenced by the tides or the rise and fall of the sea.