Earth in Space Slide 7

Ocean Circulation

Redistributes heat, influences global climate patterns.

Centrifugal Force

Apparent force pushing outward in circular motion.

Centripetal Force

Real force pulling objects toward circular path center.

Semidiurnal Tide

Two equal high and low tides each day.

Diurnal Tide

One high tide and one low tide daily.

Mixed Tide

Two high and low tides with varying heights.

Tidal Range

Difference between high tide and low tide levels.

Neap Tide

Occurs when Sun, Moon, Earth form a right angle.

Tidal Patterns

Frequency and type of tides at specific locations.

Spring Tide

Highest tides occurring during full and new moons.

Shoreline Topography

Landform features affecting local tidal patterns.

Celestial Alignment

Position of celestial bodies affecting tidal forces.

Wave Height

Distance from wave trough to crest, up to 30 meters.

Wavelength

Distance between successive wave crests in the ocean.

Energy Transfer

Waves transfer energy without moving water horizontally.

Oscillatory Motion

Water particles move in circular paths as waves pass.

Wave Base

Depth where wave energy movement ceases, half wavelength.

Fetch

Distance wind blows uninterrupted, affecting wave size.

Wave Shoaling

Waves slow and increase height as they enter shallow water.

Wave Steepening

Wave height increases disproportionately as depth decreases.

Breaking Wave

Occurs when a wave becomes too steep and collapses.

Spilling Breakers

Gradually spilling waves on gently sloping beaches.

Plunging Breakers

Curling waves that form tubes on steep shorelines.

Surging Breakers

Waves that surge onto very steep shorelines without breaking.

Backwash

Water flowing back to the ocean after a wave breaks.

Beach Erosion

Loss of sand due to backwash and wave action.

Rip Currents

Fast-moving channels of water flowing from shore to sea.

Wave Speed

Waves move faster in deep water without seafloor interaction.

Headlands

Land protrusions made of resistant rock.

Bays

Sheltered coastal areas with softer rock erosion.

Point Absorbers

Floating structures capturing vertical wave energy.

Oscillating Water Columns (OWC)

Devices using air movement to generate electricity.

Hydraulic Action

Waves compress air in cracks, causing erosion.

Abrasion

Waves grind rocks using carried sediments.

Attrition

Particles collide, breaking into smaller pieces.

Sediment Transport

Movement of particles along the coastline.

Longshore Drift

Zigzag sediment movement along the shore.

Suspension

Finer sediments carried long distances in water.

Saltation

Larger particles bounce along the seabed.

Deposition

Sediments laid down when energy decreases.

Sediment Budget

Balance of sediment added and removed from coast.

Deficit Sediment Budget

More sediment removed than added, causing erosion.

Groins

Structures preventing soil erosion, built perpendicular.

Seawalls

Rock or concrete walls protecting property from erosion.