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

Isobaric coordinates

Earth science; Physical oceanography

The replacement of the z coordinate in an x-y-z coordinate system with the pressure. This can be done when horizontal scales are large compared to vertical scales, i.e. when the hydrostatic ...

Polarisation relations

Earth science; Physical oceanography

The relationships between the velocity components and pressure for a progressive wave. They are found by substituting the assumed wave form into the relevant equations.

Geostrophic wind

Earth science; Physical oceanography

The result of geostrophy in the atmosphere. Analogous to the geostrophic current in oceanography.

Wave Identification and Tracking System (WITS)

Earth science; Physical oceanography

A collection of tools for wave spectral partitioning with automated swell tracking and storm source identification capabilities. The WITS spectral partitioning steps are: 1. Peak isolation via ...

Joint Archive for Shipboard ADCP (JASADCP)

Earth science; Physical oceanography

A collaboration between the E. Firing ADCP Laboratoary at the University of Hawaii and the NODC. This center, formerly known as the Shipboard ADCP centre (SAC), is responsible for the acquisition, ...

Subtropical gyre

Earth science; Physical oceanography

A clockwise/counterclockwise circulation in the northern/southern hemisphere that is forced by the wind and features western intensification in the form of a western boundary current. In the northern ...

Temperature ramp

Earth science; Physical oceanography

A coherent structure found in the upper ocean that has been observed in both stable and unstable conditions. These are found in the upper few meters, are aligned with the wind, and marked by ...