What is described as the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm above predicted astronomical tides?

The phenomenon described as the abnormal rise of water generated by a storm above predicted astronomical tides is known as a storm surge. Storm surges occur primarily during storms, such as hurricanes or typhoons, when strong winds push water towards the shore, leading to a significant increase in sea level. This is different from astronomical tides, which are regular and predictable rises and falls of sea levels caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun.

Storm surges can lead to severe flooding and extensive damage to coastal areas, often surpassing expected tidal levels, which is why it's important to differentiate them from other water-related terms. For instance, a tsunami is a series of large ocean waves typically caused by underwater earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, and a flood tide refers more specifically to the part of the tidal cycle when water levels are rising. Wave height measures the vertical distance between the crest and trough of a wave and does not indicate a sustained increase in water level over time as storm surges do. Understanding storm surge is crucial for disaster preparedness and management in coastal regions.