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.
Longshore drift, also known as littoral drift, is a geological process that involves the movement of sediment along the coast by wave action. It occurs when waves approach the shore at an angle, carrying sand and pebbles up the beach. As the waves break and recede, gravity pulls the sediment back down the slope of the beach in a direct line, resulting in a zigzag pattern of movement along the coastline.
The lower shoreface is a geological term used in sedimentology and coastal processes to describe a specific zone of the coastal environment, particularly the area of the seabed that lies just below the surf zone and extends down to the offshore area. This zone typically ranges from about 3 to 10 meters (roughly 10 to 30 feet) in depth, depending on local conditions, including wave energy, sediment supply, and coastal topography.
The lunitidal interval is the time difference between the local high tide and the local mean noon, which is calculated based on the lunar cycle. It represents the period it takes for the tide to peak after the moon is directly overhead or underfoot. This interval varies depending on the position of the moon, the geographical location, and local factors affecting tides, such as the shape of the coastline and the depth of the water.
A marine heatwave is a prolonged period of unusually high sea surface temperatures in a specific region of the ocean. These temperature anomalies can significantly affect marine ecosystems, weather patterns, and human activities. Marine heatwaves can be caused by various factors, including: 1. **Climate Change**: Rising global temperatures contribute to higher sea surface temperatures, leading to more frequent and intense marine heatwaves. 2. **Ocean Currents**: Changes in ocean circulation patterns can lead to localized warming.
A marine optical buoy is a floating device equipped with various sensors and instruments designed to measure and collect data related to the marine environment. These buoys are typically deployed in oceans, seas, and large bodies of water and can be used for various applications, including: 1. **Optical Measurements**: These buoys often include instruments that measure light transmission, chlorophyll levels, and other optical properties of the water.
Maui Nui is a term that refers to a group of islands in Hawaii that includes the islands of Maui, Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoʻolawe, as well as the surrounding waters. The term "Nui" means "great" or "large" in Hawaiian, suggesting the significance of these islands together. Geographically, the islands of Maui Nui were once part of a single landmass that has since eroded and become submerged over time due to rising sea levels.
"Message in a bottle" typically refers to a method of communication where a written message is placed inside a sealed bottle and then thrown into a body of water, with the hope that it will eventually be found by someone else. This practice can serve various purposes, such as expressing feelings, seeking connection, or simply as a whimsical act of adventure. The concept can also be symbolic, representing feelings of longing, isolation, or the desire for human connection.
Metocean is a term that combines "meteorological" and "oceanographic" studies, referring to the analysis and modeling of weather and ocean conditions. This field is particularly important for industries such as offshore oil and gas, marine engineering, renewable energy (like offshore wind), shipping, and coastal management.
A mid-ocean ridge is an underwater mountain range that is a key feature of the Earth's ocean floors. It is formed by the process of seafloor spreading, where tectonic plates move apart and magma from the mantle rises to create new oceanic crust. This process occurs at divergent plate boundaries, where two tectonic plates are moving away from each other.
The Miles-Phillips mechanism refers to a specific process in the field of materials science, particularly concerning the fracture and failure of materials. It is named after researchers Miles and Phillips, who studied the way cracks propagate in brittle materials. The mechanism is notable for its focus on the influence of microstructural features on the fracture behavior of materials.
The Milwaukee Deep is a significant underwater feature located in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean, specifically within the Caribbean Sea. It is part of the Puerto Rico Trench, which is the deepest point in the Atlantic Ocean and extends northeast of Puerto Rico. The Milwaukee Deep reaches depths of around 8,380 meters (approximately 27,493 feet), making it one of the deepest parts of the Atlantic Ocean.
The mixed layer is a concept in oceanography and atmospheric science that refers to a layer of water or air where properties like temperature, salinity, and density are relatively uniform due to mixing processes. This layer is particularly important in the study of ocean dynamics, climate, and weather patterns. ### In the Ocean In oceanography, the mixed layer is the upper layer of the ocean that is well-mixed by wind, waves, and currents.
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.
Monterey Canyon is a prominent underwater canyon located off the coast of central California, near the city of Monterey. It is one of the largest marine canyons on the North American continental shelf and extends approximately 95 miles (153 kilometers) in length and up to 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) in depth. The canyon is part of the larger Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
In oceanography, "mooring" refers to the process of anchoring a floating platform, buoy, or other oceanographic instruments to the seabed to maintain their position in the water column. Moorings are typically equipped with various sensors and devices for collecting data on oceanographic parameters such as temperature, salinity, currents, and wave heights. A mooring system generally consists of several components: 1. **Anchor**: A weight placed on the seabed to hold the mooring in place.
Muirfield Seamount is an underwater volcanic mountain located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is part of the larger chain of seamounts known as the New Zealand Seamounts and is situated northeast of the North Island of New Zealand. The seamounts are typically formed by volcanic activity and can rise significantly from the ocean floor.
MyOcean is a European initiative aimed at providing ocean monitoring and forecasting services. It integrates various oceanographic data sources, including satellite observations, in-situ measurements, and model outputs, to offer comprehensive information about the state of the marine environment. MyOcean was part of a broader effort to enhance marine research and support various applications, such as fisheries management, maritime safety, and environmental monitoring. The project was originally funded by the European Union and has evolved through subsequent phases.