The Hawaii Ocean Time-series (HOT) is a long-term oceanographic research program that focuses on studying the physical, chemical, biological, and geological characteristics of the open ocean around Hawaii, particularly in the North Pacific Ocean. Established in 1988, the HOT program is primarily based at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and is associated with the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology.

The Indian Monsoon Current refers to the seasonal ocean currents that are influenced by the Indian monsoon, a significant weather phenomenon that affects the Indian subcontinent. The monsoon season, typically occurring from June to September, is characterized by heavy rainfall due to the southwest winds that carry moisture from the Indian Ocean. ### Key Features of the Indian Monsoon Current: 1. **Seasonal Variation**: The monsoon current is predominantly a summer phenomenon.

A non-revenue track typically refers to a segment of a business or industry operation that does not directly generate profit or revenue. In various contexts, the term can have different meanings: 1. **Transportation Networks**: In transportation, particularly rail, a non-revenue track might be a segment of track that is not used for the operation of revenue-generating trains. This could include maintenance tracks or segments used for train storage.

Lithogenic silica refers to silica (SiO₂) that originates from geological processes, particularly from the weathering of silicate minerals. It is primarily found in terrestrial environments and contributes to the formation of sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone and quartzite. Lithogenic silica is distinguished from biogenic silica, which is produced by biological processes, such as the accumulation of diatoms and other siliceous organisms in marine environments.

The "Region of Freshwater Influence" (ROFI) refers to areas where freshwater from rivers, glaciers, or other sources significantly interacts with and impacts marine environments, particularly estuaries, coastal zones, and the adjacent ocean. This influence can manifest through various physical, chemical, and biological processes. Key characteristics of ROFIs include: 1. **Salinity Gradients**: Since freshwater is less dense than saltwater, it creates a gradient where salinity levels change rapidly.

Mona Canyon is a significant underwater canyon located near the entrance to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, off the coast of Washington State in the United States. It is an important geological feature in the region, as it is part of the larger Juan de Fuca Ridge system and plays a key role in the oceanographic processes of the area. The canyon is known for its depth and complex geology, which includes steep walls and a variety of sediment types.

Eton blue is a distinctive shade of blue that is often associated with the prestigious Eton College in England. It is a light, vibrant hue, typically described as a pastel blue with a slight green undertone. This color is commonly used in Eton College's uniforms, particularly the jackets worn by students. The specific shade is recognized not only in educational contexts but has also been adopted in fashion and interiors, evoking a sense of elegance and tradition.

Aquamarine is a color that is associated with the blue-green hue of the mineral aquamarine, which is a variety of beryl. The color is reminiscent of the sea, with its tranquil, soothing blue and green tones.

The Pacific-North American (PNA) teleconnection pattern is a climate pattern that influences weather and climate variability across the Pacific Ocean and North America. It is characterized by alternating patterns of high and low pressure systems that can extend from the western Pacific into the western and central parts of North America. The PNA is typically represented as a four-phase pattern of anomalies in atmospheric pressure and can influence several weather phenomena, such as temperature and precipitation patterns across North America.

The Parallel Ocean Program (POP) is a numerical ocean model primarily developed to facilitate large-scale oceanic simulations, primarily for climate research and oceanographic studies. It is part of the Community Earth System Model (CESM) and is designed to operate in parallel on supercomputing systems, enabling it to efficiently handle the complex calculations required for simulating the ocean's behavior over time.

The Prediction and Research Moored Array in the Atlantic (PRoM A) is a system of oceanographic buoys and data collection equipment deployed in the Atlantic Ocean. It is part of a larger initiative to enhance our understanding of oceanic and atmospheric processes, improve weather forecasting, and contribute to climate research. PRoM A specifically aims to monitor various ocean parameters, such as temperature, salinity, currents, and other physical and biological characteristics of the ocean.

A pycnocline is a layer in a body of water, such as an ocean or lake, where there is a rapid change in density with depth. This transition zone typically lies between surface waters, which are less dense due to being warmer and more mixed, and deeper, denser waters that are colder and often less affected by wind and light.

Marigold is a warm, vibrant shade of yellow or orange that is often associated with the marigold flower, which features blooms in similar hues. The color can vary in tone from a bright, sunny yellow to a deeper, more burnt orange, and it is commonly used in design and fashion to evoke feelings of warmth, positivity, and cheerfulness.

A rip tide, commonly referred to as a rip current, is a powerful, narrow channel of water that flows away from the shore. It is often created when water from breaking waves accumulates in shallow areas and is funneled back out to sea, creating a strong current. Rip currents can be dangerous for swimmers because they can pull individuals away from the shore very quickly.

An elastomer is a type of polymer that has elastic properties, meaning it can stretch and return to its original shape without permanent deformation. These materials are characterized by their ability to undergo significant elastic deformation when a force is applied and then recover quickly once the force is removed. This makes elastomers particularly useful in a wide range of applications where flexibility and resilience are important.

"Shore lead" typically refers to the leadership role or guidance provided to a team or organization involved in coastal or marine activities, such as environmental conservation, maritime operations, or coastal resource management. This role may involve coordinating efforts, facilitating communication among stakeholders, and ensuring that projects align with organizational goals and policies related to shoreline management.

The South Pacific Convergence Zone (SPCZ) is a region of the South Pacific Ocean characterized by the convergence of trade winds from the southeast and northeast. This convergence zone is typically located roughly between 5° and 15° S latitude and extends from the western Pacific, near the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, to the eastern Pacific, near French Polynesia. Key features of the SPCZ include: 1. **Weather Patterns**: The SPCZ is associated with significant precipitation and thunderstorms.

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) refers to the flow of groundwater into the ocean or other bodies of water from underwater aquifers. This process occurs along coastlines, where freshwater from underground aquifers seeps out through sediments and interacts with seawater. SGD can occur in various forms, including: 1. **Diffuse Discharge**: A gradual and widespread movement of groundwater through sediments and into the ocean.

The subtropical front, also known as the subtropical jet stream, is a boundary located in the middle latitudes of the atmosphere, typically between the latitudes of approximately 20° to 40° in both hemispheres. It represents a transition zone between the warmer, more stable air of the tropics and the cooler, more variable air of the mid-latitudes.

Wave height refers to the vertical distance between the trough (the lowest point) of a wave and its crest (the highest point). It is a critical parameter in oceanography, meteorology, and various marine activities, including navigation, fishing, and surfing. Wave height can be influenced by factors such as wind speed, wind duration, and the distance over which the wind blows across the water surface (known as fetch).