Lecture Notes on Thermohaline Circulation and Waves

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on thermohaline circulation and waves, providing definitions and explanations for terms related to ocean science.

Thermohaline Circulation

The density-driven circulation of the deep ocean caused by differences in temperature and salinity.

Pycnocline

A density barrier in the ocean that separates surface waters from deeper waters, inhibiting mixing.

North Atlantic Deep Water (NADW)

A major component of the thermohaline circulation; deep water formed in the North Atlantic.

Antarctic Intermediate Water (AAIW)

Water mass found above the Antarctic Bottom Water and below the surface layer, relatively cold and salty.

Antarctic Bottom Water (AABW)

The densest water mass formed in Antarctica, which sinks to the ocean floor.

Mediterranean Intermediate Water (MIW)

High salinity water formed in the Mediterranean Sea that sinks to intermediate depths.

Upwelling

The process where deep, cold water rises to the surface, bringing nutrients and supporting marine life.

Downwelling

The process in which surface waters sink, contributing to the thermohaline circulation.

Wave Base

The maximum depth at which a water wave causes significant water motion; equal to half the wavelength.

Deep Water Wave

An ocean surface wave that occurs in water deep enough that the seabed does not affect its motion.

Wave Period (T)

The time it takes for successive wave crests to pass a fixed point, measured in seconds.

Wave Celerity (C)

The speed at which a wave travels; calculated as the wavelength divided by the wave period (C = L/T).

Swell

Long period, smooth waves generated by distant storms that can travel faster than shorter storm waves.

Spring Tide

Larger tides that occur during full and new moons due to the alignment of the Earth, moon, and sun.

Neap Tide

Smaller tides that occur during first and third quarter moons when the gravitational forces of the moon and sun are opposed.

Tsunami

A series of ocean waves caused by the displacement of water typically due to earthquakes.

Flood Tide

The incoming tide when water is rising from low to high.

Ebb Tide

The outgoing tide when water is falling from high to low.

Diurnal Tide

A tidal pattern that occurs once per day.

Semi-Diurnal Tide

A tidal pattern that occurs twice per day, with two high tides and two low tides.

Mixed Tide

A tidal pattern that exhibits characteristics of both semi-diurnal and diurnal tides.