Introduction to Marine Ecology and Oceanography

A collection of vocabulary flashcards summarizing key concepts from the 'Introduction to Marine Ecology and Oceanography' lecture.

Atmospheric pressure

The weight of air from Earth's surface to the top of the atmosphere, measured at approximately 1.04 kg/cm² at sea level.

Coriolis Effect

The apparent deviation of moving objects caused by Earth's rotation, deflecting objects to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Pressure gradient

The change in air pressure across a horizontal distance, influencing wind strength and direction.

Ekman Transport

The net transport of water due to wind-induced motion, with a Coriolis deflection of 90° to the direction of the wind.

Thermohaline Circulation

A density-driven flow of water in the ocean generated by differences in salinity and temperature.

Gyre

A large system of rotating ocean currents, driven by wind and the Coriolis effect.

Western boundary current

A narrow, deep, and swift ocean current found along the western edges of ocean basins, such as the Gulf Stream.

Langmuir Circulation

A complex horizontal helical motion of water that creates alternating zones of convergence and divergence parallel to the wind direction.

Subsurface currents

Currents that flow beneath the ocean surface, primarily driven by temperature and salinity differences.

Upwelling

The process where deep, nutrient-rich waters rise to the surface, often induced by wind patterns.

Downwelling

The process whereby surface waters sink due to increased density, often occurring in high-pressure areas.

Wind-driven surface currents

Currents generated by the friction between wind and the ocean surface, typically moving slower than the wind.

Global wind systems

Patterns of wind circulation driven by solar radiation and the Coriolis effect, forming distinct trade winds and westerlies.

Semi-enclosed bays

Coastal areas that are partially enclosed by land, affecting local circulation patterns.

Ocean conveyor belt

The large-scale circulation system that moves water and heat around the globe, primarily through thermohaline circulation.