Oceanography Lecture Review

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary terms and concepts related to oceanography, ocean currents, coastal processes, and their importance in environmental science.

Oceanography

The study of the earth that includes everything associated with the oceans, including chemistry, currents, waves, tides, coastal regions, marine life, and ocean floor geology.

Salinity

The concentration of salts in water, which varies in different parts of the ocean due to factors like freshwater precipitation, meltwater from glaciers, and evaporation.

Ocean Current

A continuous, directed movement of seawater generated by various forces acting upon the water, including wind, salinity differences, and the rotation of the Earth.

Spring Tides

Tides that occur when the moon and sun are aligned, leading to higher high tides and lower low tides.

Neap Tides

Tides that occur when the moon and sun are at right angles, resulting in a smaller difference between high and low tides.

Emergent Coastline

A coastal area where land is topographically higher than the sea, often marked by cliffs.

Submergent Coastline

A coastal area at sea level that includes estuaries, which function as important habitats and protect against floods.

Beach Drift

The movement of sand along the beach due to the action of waves and currents.

Groins

Structures built perpendicular to the shoreline designed to trap sand and prevent beach erosion.

Beach Nourishment

A method of combating beach erosion by adding sand to a beach to replenish lost materials.

Wave Base

The depth at which water motion due to waves can be felt, typically about half the wavelength.

Hydrothermal Vents

A fissure in the ocean floor that emits heated water rich in dissolved minerals, supporting unique ecosystems.

Coastal Erosion

The process by which coastlines lose land due to wave action, currents, and human activity.

Aquatic Habitat

An environment where water is the primary medium for organisms to live, including oceans, rivers, and lakes.