Physical oceanography

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

Chlorine titration

Earth science; Physical oceanography

The method developed by Knudsen and others in 1902 to determine the chlorinity and therefore salinity of a sea water sample.

Still water level

Earth science; Physical oceanography

The level of the sea with high frequency motions such as wind waves averaged out. See also mean sea level.

Roaring forties

Earth science; Physical oceanography

The region between 40 and 50° S latitude where the prevailing westerly winds blow largely unobstructed by land over the open oceans, and also the winds themselves. They are constant and of great ...

The ratio of the acoustic power scattered at an angle of 180° from the incident acoustic wave to the acoustic intensity incident on a unit volume or area. This measure, typically referenced to a unit ...

Density ratio

Earth science; Physical oceanography

The ratio of the effect of a temperature change on density divided by the effect of a salinity change. This was found in the Spice Experiment to be roughly equal to one for horizontal scales ranging ...

Fluorescence

Earth science; Physical oceanography

The re-emission of light energy at a lower frequency by an absorber illuminated with optical energy. The response is usually immediate and on order 1 to 3% of the incident intensity.