4 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
Stokes velocity
Earth science; Physical oceanography
A velocity in fluids that derives from the wave Reynolds stresses. See the Stokes wave entry and compare to Lagrangian velocity and Eulerian velocity.
pressure coordinates
Earth science; Physical oceanography
A vertical coordinate system often used in numerical circulation models in which the vertical coordinate is pressure. The equations are created by replacing the vertical velocity in the equations of ...
dicothermal layer
Earth science; Physical oceanography
A vertical ocean layer sometimes found in high northern latitudes. It is a cold (as low as -1.6° C) layer from 50 to 100 m sandwiched between warmer surface and deeper layers. The water column ...
williwaw
Earth science; Physical oceanography
A violent squall in the Straits of Magellan. This is a region where the winds are almost constantly strong and westerly.
squall
Earth science; Physical oceanography
A violent wind that begins suddenly, lasts for a short time, and dies suddenly. It is sometimes associated with a temporary change of direction.
geostrophic force
Earth science; Physical oceanography
A virtual force used to account for the change in direction of the wind relative to the Earth’s surface. It results from the Earth’s rotation and the Coriolis force.
Levantine Surface Water (LSW)
Earth science; Physical oceanography
A warm and saline water mass occupying most of the surface layer of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea during the warm part of the year. It is the product of intense evaporation, with the salinity ...
