Dictionary term
Tidal Datum
Direct answer
Tidal Datum: A Tidal Datum is a local reference elevation derived from a defined phase or statistic of observed water levels over a specified epoch.
A Tidal Datum is a local water-level reference based on tide observations.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Seasons & Earth Almanac
- Also appears in
- Seasons & Earth Almanac
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Quick reference
- Use when
- Use Tidal Datum only with its full name, station, realization epoch, and relation to geodetic datums.
- Do not use it for
- Do not extend a local Tidal Datum into hydrologically different waters without measurements and an authorized transformation.
- Reference category
- Seasons & Earth Almanac
- Related terms
- Tidal Range, Semidiurnal Tide, Astronomical Season, Equinox
The story behind Tidal Datum
Long tide-gauge records enabled national agencies to establish consistent local datums such as Mean Lower Low Water.
Tidal Datum in spiritual tradition
Spiritually, a tidal datum shows that even a zero line must be defined with evidence and place.
The Great Almanac frames Tidal Datum with educational restraint. Mystical or symbolic language may be meaningful, but it should not be exaggerated into certainty, panic, or permission to ignore ordinary responsibility.
Tidal Datum in the Bible
This is a factual calendar, astronomy, Earth-science, cultural-history, or observational reference. It can support wonder and practical planning without becoming a claim of fate, spiritual causation, or private revelation.
Tidal Datum in numerology
Tidal Datum is not a numerology claim. Any numbers attached to it should retain their ordinary scientific, calendrical, navigational, or historical meaning unless a separate symbolic interpretation is clearly labeled.
Why Tidal Datum matters
Charts, coastal boundaries, flood thresholds, and engineering elevations need a stable stated zero.
Example in a reading: A charted depth referenced to Mean Lower Low Water is not measured from the same zero as an elevation referenced to a land datum.
Interpretive caution: Do not extend a local Tidal Datum into hydrologically different waters without measurements and an authorized transformation.
How Tidal Datum is used in a reading
Use Tidal Datum only with its full name, station, realization epoch, and relation to geodetic datums.
Where interpretation stops
Tidal Datum is presented as sourced astronomy, calendrical, Earth-science, cultural, or instrument-history reference. Definitions should distinguish measured phenomena from civil convention and historical interpretation, preserve location and time dependencies, and avoid turning factual sky data into a deterministic personal claim.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- NOAA Tides and Currents Glossary - Operational definitions for tides, tidal currents, ranges, datums, bores, and amphidromic systems.
The page starts with a direct definition, then separates use, example, caution, spiritual meaning, and historical context. For astrology, occult, demonology, curse, and spiritual warfare terms, the editorial rule is to explain the term without making fear-based, fatalistic, medical, legal, financial, or ritual-instruction claims.
Continue learning
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Open Worldwide WatchRelated terms
These related entries help place Tidal Datum inside a wider reference cluster instead of leaving it as a standalone keyword.
