Meteorology competitions are events designed to challenge participants in their understanding of atmospheric sciences, weather analysis, forecasting, and related fields. These competitions can take various forms, including: 1. **Forecasting Competitions**: Participants make weather forecasts for specific locations or regions over a set period. They may be judged based on the accuracy of their predictions compared to actual weather conditions.

Red tide refers to a harmful algal bloom (HAB) characterized by the proliferation of certain types of microalgae, particularly dinoflagellates, in coastal waters. These blooms can produce toxins that are harmful to marine life, humans, and the environment. The term "red tide" comes from the reddish or brownish color that the water can take on when these algae are present in high concentrations, although the water may not always appear red.

Critical depth is a concept in fluid mechanics, particularly in the study of open channel flow. It represents the depth of flow at which the specific energy of the system is at a minimum for a given specific discharge (flow rate per unit width). In simpler terms, for a given amount of water flowing through a channel, critical depth is the depth at which the flow transitions between subcritical and supercritical states.

E. Virginia Armbrust is a notable figure in the field of marine science, particularly known for her work in biological oceanography. She has made significant contributions to understanding phytoplankton dynamics and the role of these organisms in ocean ecosystems. Armbrust has been involved in various research initiatives and has published extensively on topics related to ocean health, climate change, and the impact of human activities on marine environments.

A harmful algal bloom (HAB) is a rapid increase in the population of certain types of algae in aquatic environments, which can have detrimental effects on aquatic life, human health, and the environment. These blooms are often caused by specific strains of microscopic algae (phytoplankton), which can produce toxins harmful to marine organisms, birds, and mammals, as well as humans.

CHRNA9 is a gene that encodes the alpha 9 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), a type of receptor that is part of the larger family of ligand-gated ion channels. This particular receptor plays a crucial role in the nervous system by mediating synaptic transmission and influencing neuronal excitability.

Larmor precession is the phenomenon in which the magnetic moment of a particle (such as an electron or nucleus) precesses around an external magnetic field. This occurs when a charged particle with a magnetic moment is placed in a magnetic field, causing the axis of the magnetic moment to rotate or "precess" around the direction of the applied field.

Marine mucilage is a gelatinous substance produced by various marine organisms, particularly phytoplankton, bacteria, and certain macroalgae. It consists primarily of organic compounds, including polysaccharides and proteins, and can accumulate in marine environments under specific conditions.

Marine vertebrates are animals that possess a backbone (vertebral column) and live primarily in ocean or sea environments. This group includes a diverse range of species that are adapted to marine habitats. The main classes of marine vertebrates are: 1. **Fish**: This group includes both bony fish (Osteichthyes) and cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyes), such as sharks and rays. Fish are the most diverse and abundant group of marine vertebrates.

Minimum depth of occurrence (MDO) typically refers to the shallowest depth at which a particular species or resource is found in a given environment, such as aquatic ecosystems, geological formations, or geographical areas. In ecology and environmental science, understanding the minimum depth of occurrence can provide insights into species distribution, habitat preferences, and ecological relationships.

Anoxic events refer to periods in which specific waters, regions, or environments become depleted of oxygen, leading to severe conditions for aquatic life and other organisms that rely on oxygen for survival. "Anoxic" specifically means lacking oxygen (from the Greek "an-" meaning "without" and "oxia" meaning "oxygen").

GEOTRACES is an international research program aimed at understanding the trace elements and isotopes in the ocean and their roles in marine biogeochemistry. Launched in 2004, the program focuses on the distribution and cycling of trace elements such as metals and nutrients, which are essential for marine organisms and ecological processes but are often present in very low concentrations.

Hypoxia, in an environmental context, refers to a condition in which there is a deficiency of oxygen in a particular area, typically in aquatic environments such as oceans, lakes, or rivers. This can lead to significant ecological impacts, affecting the survival of fish and other aquatic organisms that rely on dissolved oxygen for respiration.

An "oligosaprobe" is a term often used in microbiology and ecology to describe a specific type of organism that requires very low concentrations of organic matter to thrive. Oligosaprobic organisms typically inhabit environments with low levels of pollution and organic enrichment, such as clean streams and lakes. These organisms are contrasted with "eutrophic" organisms, which are adapted to environments rich in nutrients and organic material.

Sea salt aerosol refers to tiny particles or droplets that originate from the ocean and are composed primarily of salt, mainly sodium chloride (NaCl), along with a mix of other compounds such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium salts. These aerosols are created through various processes, primarily the breaking of ocean waves which generates bubbles that burst at the surface, releasing salt particles into the atmosphere. Sea salt aerosols play a significant role in the Earth's climate and atmospheric chemistry.

Total boron typically refers to the total concentration of boron present in a sample, which can include various forms such as boric acid, borate, and other boron compounds. In environmental science, chemistry, and geological studies, measuring total boron is important for understanding its presence and effects in ecosystems, water sources, and soil.

The Urey–Bigeleisen–Mayer equation is a formula used in physical chemistry and isotopic chemistry to relate the equilibrium constants of chemical reactions involving isotopes to the differences in their vibrational energies. It provides a way to understand and quantify the isotopic effects that occur in chemical reactions, particularly the fractionation of isotopes. This equation is particularly useful in studying the behavior of molecules containing different isotopes of elements, such as hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen.

Oceanographical terminology refers to the specialized vocabulary and concepts used in the field of oceanography, which is the study of the ocean and its various components, including marine ecosystems, ocean currents, physical and chemical properties of seawater, and geological features. This terminology is essential for scientists, researchers, and professionals in the field to communicate effectively about ocean-related topics.

Bottom water refers to the colder, denser water that resides at the bottom of a body of water, such as an ocean, sea, or lake. This water is generally characterized by its lower temperature and higher salinity compared to surface water. In oceanography, the term is often used to describe water that is found in deep ocean basins, particularly in the context of thermohaline circulation, where differences in temperature and salinity drive water movement.

Ageostrophy refers to a condition in meteorology where the wind does not flow parallel to isobars (lines of constant pressure), which typically happens under the influence of forces other than the geostrophic balance. In a geostrophic wind situation, the forces acting on the air (primarily the pressure gradient force and the Coriolis force due to the Earth's rotation) balance each other out, resulting in winds that flow parallel to isobars.