FLASHCARD #4 Motion of the Ocean

Front

What is a wave?

Back

A wave is the movement of water along the surface of the ocean.

Front

What is a wave period?

Back

A wave period is the time it takes for one wave to pass a given point.

Front

What is a trough in relation to waves?

Back

The bottom of a passing wave is called a trough.

Front

What is a wavelength?

Back

A wavelength is the distance between two successive wave crests.

Front

What causes subsurface currents?

Back

Subsurface currents are caused by differences in temperature and salinity, but not by wind.

Front

What is a spring tide?

Back

A spring tide occurs when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned.

Front

What is a neap tide?

Back

A neap tide occurs when the sun is at a 90° angle to the moon.

Front

What is a diurnal tide?

Back

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

Front

What is a semidiurnal tide?

Back

A semidiurnal tide is characterized by two high tides and two low tides each lunar day.

Front

What is a mixed tide?

Back

A mixed tide is characterized by varying heights of high and low tides.