Oceanography

Oceanography

The scientific studies of the ocean.

Contributors in Oceanography

Oceanography

1. An ideal emitter that radiates energy at the maximum possible rate per unit area at each wavelength for any given temperature. A blackbody also absorbs all the radiant energy in the near visible ...

beach profile

Earth science; Oceanography

A cross-sectional plot of beach survey data, which can be used to illustrate seasonal and long-terms changes in beach volume.

amphidromic point

Earth science; Oceanography

A point on a chart of cotidal lines from which the cotidal lines radiate.

boussinesq approximation

Earth science; Oceanography

An approximation to the dynamical equations of motion whereby density is assumed to be constant except in the buoyancy term, -g\rho', of the vertical velocity equation. The approximation is ...

eddy

Earth science; Oceanography

A localized chaotic movement of air or liquid in a generally uniform larger flow.

latent heat

Earth science; Oceanography

1. Energy transferred from Earth's surface to the atmosphere through the evaporation and condensation processes. 2. If a change of state occurs from gas to liquid or liquid to solid, internal ...

breaker

Earth science; Oceanography

A sea-surface wave which has become too steep to be stable. Waves in shoaling water become higher and shorter (hence steeper) as the water becomes shallower. When the steepness (ratio of wave ...