Pseudotidal

Pseudotidal is an adjective used in physics, geophysics, and planetary science to describe effects, signals, or models that resemble tidal phenomena but are not produced by the same mechanism as classical tides, or are approximate representations rather than full tidal theory. The term is not standardized, and its exact meaning varies between authors and disciplines.

In geophysics and oceanography, pseudotidal references often designate data features that mimic periodic tidal signals yet arise from non-tidal processes, such as atmospheric pressure fluctuations, thermal expansion, or other forcing, or from indirect effects like ocean loading that introduce tide-like signatures.

In planetary science and astronomy, pseudotidal concepts may appear in discussions of simplified tidal theories, where the response of a body to gravitational forcing is treated with equilibrium-tide prescriptions or with tuned lag times, yielding results that look tidal without implementing full dissipation physics. The label helps distinguish these approximations from rigorous tidal modeling.

Etymology: formed from pseudo- meaning false or imitation, combined with tidal, from tides or tidal forces.

See also: tide, tidal force, pseudosynchronous rotation, tidal locking, tidal theory, equilibrium tide.