9 Terms
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Physical oceanography
The scientific study of the physical conditions and processes related to the motions and physical properties of ocean currents and waters.
Industry: Earth science
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Physical oceanography
Eastern South Pacific Central Water
Earth science; Physical oceanography
In physical oceanography, a water mass formed between 150-180° W (by processes not yet well understood) and separated from the WSPCW by a gradual transition zone from 145-100° W., from which it is ...
Greenland Sea Deep Water (GSDW)
Earth science; Physical oceanography
In physical oceanography, a water mass formed during the winter only in the central of the gyre Greenland Sea, where the cooling of surface water causes intense vertical convection. The water sinks ...
Mediterranean Water (MW)
Earth science; Physical oceanography
In physical oceanography, a water mass formed in the arid easternMediterranean Sea that flows westward and sinks in the Algero-Ligurian and Alboran basins to depth of about 500 m due to its ...
Eastern North Pacific Central Water (ENPCW)
Earth science; Physical oceanography
In physical oceanography, a water mass formed in the region of the surface salinity maximum just south of 30° N where salinities greater than 35 are found year round. This is reflected in the portion ...
Pacific Deep Water (PDW)
Earth science; Physical oceanography
In physical oceanography, a water mass found in the Pacific Ocean in the depth range from 1000-3000 m. It does not participate much in the overall circulation and as such its properties are ...
Subantarctic Mode Water (SAMW)
Earth science; Physical oceanography
In physical oceanography, a water mass in the Subantarctic Zone of the Southern Ocean. This is one type of Subpolar Mode Water. The SAMW is the deep surface layer of water with uniform temperature ...
Subantarctic Upper Water (SAUW)
Earth science; Physical oceanography
In physical oceanography, a water mass located in the Subantarctic Zone of the Southern Ocean. It is characterized hydrographically by temperatures ranging from 4-10° C in the winter and 4-14° C in ...
