physical Oceanography Review

Front

What is a semidiurnal tide?

Back

A semidiurnal tide is a tidal pattern characterized by two high tides and two low tides each lunar day, with the high and low tides being approximately equal in height.

Front

What is the California Current?

Back

The California Current is a cold ocean current that flows southward along the western coast of North America, influencing the climate and marine ecosystems of the region.

Front

What causes tides in the ocean?

Back

Tides are caused primarily by the gravitational pull of the Earth, Moon, and Sun on the Earth's oceans.

Front

What is the phase of the moon opposite to a 3rd quarter moon?

Back

The phase of the moon opposite to a 3rd quarter moon is also a 3rd quarter moon, as the moon's phases are consistent across the globe.

Front

How does the density of cold water compare to hot water?

Back

Cold water is more dense than hot water and will sink when mixed.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects, such as ocean currents, caused by the rotation of the Earth.

Front

What is a mixed tide?

Back

A mixed tide is a tidal pattern that exhibits characteristics of both semidiurnal and diurnal tides, resulting in varying heights of high and low tides.

Front

What is a diurnal tide?

Back

A diurnal tide is a tidal pattern characterized by one high tide and one low tide each lunar day.

Front

What is the significance of spring tides?

Back

Spring tides are the highest and lowest tides that occur when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are aligned, resulting in greater tidal ranges.

Front

What is the role of the Moon in tidal patterns?

Back

The Moon's gravitational pull is the primary force driving the tides, creating bulges of water on the side of the Earth facing the Moon and the opposite side.