Children: Oceanography
SeaBASS, which stands for "SeaWiFS Bio-Optical Archive and Storage System," is a data archive that was established to facilitate the storage, dissemination, and utilization of bio-optical data, particularly in relation to ocean color research. It primarily focuses on data collected by the Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS), which was launched in 1997 to observe and monitor the Earth's oceans.
Sea spray refers to the tiny water droplets that are generated when ocean waves break, especially in rough sea conditions. As waves crash and turbulence occurs near the surface of the water, small particles of seawater are lifted into the air. These droplets can vary in size and can travel varying distances, sometimes carried by wind.
The term "seabed" refers to the bottom of a sea or ocean. It encompasses the solid surface beneath the water, which can include various geological features such as rocky formations, sandy plains, and underwater mountains. The seabed plays a crucial role in marine ecosystems, serving as the habitat for many organisms, including fish, mollusks, and various types of crustaceans.
Seafloor massive sulfide (SMS) deposits are economically significant mineral resources found on the ocean floor, typically at hydrothermal vent areas where hot, mineral-rich fluids are expelled from the Earth's crust. These deposits are primarily composed of sulfide minerals, including copper, lead, zinc, and precious metals like gold and silver.
Sediment Profile Imagery (SPI) is a technique used in marine and environmental science to visually and quantitatively assess the characteristics of sediment layers on the seafloor. This technique involves capturing high-resolution images of sediment profiles to study their composition, structure, and biological activity.
The sediment-water interface, often referred to as the SWI, is the boundary layer where sediment at the bottom of a body of water meets the overlaying water column. This interface is critical in aquatic environments, including lakes, rivers, and oceans, due to several important processes that occur here. ### Key Features of the Sediment-Water Interface: 1. **Nutrient Exchange**: The SWI is a dynamic zone where exchange of nutrients, gases, and organic matter occurs.
Seismic oceanography is a scientific discipline that utilizes seismic survey techniques—commonly used in geophysical exploration—to study the physical properties of the ocean and its underlying sediments. This approach involves the application of seismic methods, such as reflection and refraction seismic techniques, to gather data about seafloor structures, water column characteristics, and sediment layers. The fundamental objective of seismic oceanography is to understand and visualize the complex interactions between the ocean and the seafloor.
Sentry is an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) developed for various applications in oceanography and underwater exploration. Originally designed by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), the Sentry AUV is equipped with advanced sensors and instruments that allow it to collect high-resolution data about the ocean environment, including mapping seafloors, studying marine ecosystems, and investigating underwater geology and archaeology.
Siliceous ooze is a type of sediment found on the ocean floor, primarily composed of the microscopic remains of siliceous organisms, such as diatoms (single-celled algae) and radiolarians (single-celled protozoans). The primary component of siliceous ooze is silica (SiO2), which is the chemical compound formed from silicon and oxygen.
Simple Ocean Data Assimilation (SODA) is a data assimilation system used in oceanography to blend observational data with model outputs in order to generate a more accurate representation of the ocean state. It involves the use of algorithms that combine various types of data, including satellite observations, in-situ measurements (like buoys and oceanographic research vessels), and historical data to improve ocean circulation models.
A Sofar bomb, also known as a "Sofarm" or "sofar," is a type of explosive device that is typically used in military or warfare contexts. The term "Sofar bomb" is not widely recognized in conventional explosive terminology, and it is possible that there might be confusion or variation in the usage of terms related to munitions.
In nautical terms, "sound" can refer to several related concepts: 1. **Sound (as a measurement)**: In nautical contexts, to "sound" refers to the act of measuring the depth of water. Mariners use various tools, such as a sounding line (a line with a weight on the end) or modern electronic depth sounders, to determine how deep the water is beneath their vessel. This practice is essential for safe navigation, helping to avoid running aground in shallow areas.
The Southern Caribbean Upwelling System refers to a region in the Southern Caribbean Sea where cold, nutrient-rich waters rise from deeper layers of the ocean to the surface. This upwelling process is primarily driven by oceanic and atmospheric conditions, including wind patterns and ocean currents.
The Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS) is a coordinated international effort aimed at improving the understanding and monitoring of the Southern Ocean's complex physical, biological, and chemical processes. The Southern Ocean encircles Antarctica and plays a crucial role in global climate regulation, ocean circulation, and marine ecosystems. SOOS was established to enhance data collection, promote collaboration among scientists and stakeholders, and facilitate long-term observations in this region.
In oceanography, "Spice" refers to a specific metric used to assess the properties of seawater that are related to the mixing and circulation of ocean waters, particularly in relation to temperature and salinity. The term "Spice" is an acronym for "Salinity and Potential Temperature Invariant for the Concentration of Enthalpy." It is a composite variable that helps to describe the mixing of water masses in the ocean by removing the influences of temperature and salinity.
"Spindrift" can refer to a few different concepts, primarily in meteorology and the culinary world: 1. **Meteorology**: In weather terms, spindrift refers to the spray of water blown from the crests of waves by the wind, creating a fine mist or spray that can be seen during stormy conditions or high winds over the ocean.
Spring bloom refers to the period in spring when many plants, particularly flowering plants and trees, begin to produce flowers and new leaves after the dormant winter months. This phenomenon is critical for various ecological reasons, as it marks the beginning of the growing season for many species. During spring bloom, factors such as increasing temperatures, longer daylight hours, and the availability of water trigger the physiological processes in plants that lead to flowering.
The Station Biologique de Roscoff is a research facility located in Roscoff, Brittany, France. It is part of the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) and is dedicated to marine biology and oceanographic research. Established in the late 19th century, the station focuses on various areas of study, including marine ecology, algal biology, and biodiversity.
A submarine pipeline is a type of pipeline that is installed underwater, primarily for the transportation of fluids such as oil, natural gas, or water. Submarine pipelines are typically laid on the seabed or buried beneath it, and they are essential components of the infrastructure required to connect offshore oil and gas fields to onshore processing and distribution facilities.
The Subtropical Indian Ocean Dipole (SIOD) is a climate pattern in the Indian Ocean that is characterized by variations in sea surface temperatures (SSTs) across the region, typically occurring in the southern Indian Ocean. It is similar to the more widely recognized Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), but it involves different dynamics and has a distinct seasonal cycle.