The neritic zone is a term used in marine biology and oceanography to refer to the relatively shallow part of the ocean that is located above the continental shelf. This zone typically extends from the low tide mark down to a depth of about 200 meters (approximately 656 feet), although the exact depth can vary depending on the geography of the coastline. Characteristics of the neritic zone include: 1. **Light Penetration**: The neritic zone receives ample sunlight, which supports photosynthesis.
Nonlinear tides refer to the complex behavior of ocean tides that cannot be adequately described by the linear superposition of tidal constituents. Traditional tidal models often rely on linear approximations, where the effects of different forces (like the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun) are summed linearly. However, in reality, tidal motion and the response of the ocean to these forces can exhibit nonlinear characteristics due to various factors.
The North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) is a weather phenomenon that is defined by fluctuations in atmospheric pressure differences between the Icelandic Low and the Azores High in the North Atlantic region. This oscillation significantly influences weather patterns in Europe and North America, affecting precipitation, temperature, and storm tracks. The NAO has two phases: 1. **Positive NAO Phase**: During this phase, the pressure difference between the Icelandic Low and the Azores High is greater than normal.
The Northwest Atlantic Mid-Ocean Channel is a significant underwater feature located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It serves as a key pathway for ocean currents and influences the marine ecosystem in that region. The channel is characterized by its shape and depth, which can affect navigation and shipping routes. In terms of geological and oceanographic importance, the Northwest Atlantic Mid-Ocean Channel plays a role in connecting different oceanic regions, facilitating the movement of water masses, nutrients, and marine life.
OSTM/Jason-2, or the Ocean Surface Topography Mission/ Jason-2, is a satellite designed to monitor ocean surface topography, which involves measuring the height of the ocean surface from space. Launched on June 20, 2008, Jason-2 is a partnership among NASA, the French space agency CNES, and the European Organization for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT).
The Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) is a large-scale scientific program in the United States designed to collect and provide open-access data on various aspects of the ocean environment. It was established by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and aims to enhance our understanding of oceanographic processes and the dynamics of the ocean's ecosystems. The OOI employs a network of complex sensors and underwater instruments deployed in key ocean locations.
Ocean acoustic tomography is a technique used to study and monitor the properties and dynamics of the ocean environment through the use of sound waves. It involves sending acoustic signals (or sound waves) through the water and measuring the travel time of these signals between various points, typically across long distances. The fundamental idea behind this method is that the speed and behavior of sound in water are influenced by environmental conditions such as temperature, salinity, and pressure.
Ocean Bank could refer to different entities depending on the context. Here are a couple of possible interpretations: 1. **Ocean Bank (Financial Institution)**: Ocean Bank is a regional bank based in the United States, particularly known in the state of Florida. It provides a range of financial services including personal and commercial banking, loans, and investment services.
An ocean current is a continuous, directed movement of ocean water that is driven by various factors, including wind, water density differences (due to temperature and salinity), and the Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect). These currents can occur on the surface or at various depths and can significantly influence climate, weather patterns, and marine ecosystems.
The term "ocean dynamical thermostat" refers to the ocean's role in regulating Earth's climate system, particularly its ability to absorb, store, and redistribute heat. The ocean acts as a massive heat reservoir, influencing atmospheric temperatures and climate patterns. Here’s a more detailed explanation of this concept: 1. **Heat Absorption and Redistribution**: The ocean absorbs a significant amount of solar energy that reaches the Earth.
Ocean stratification refers to the layering that occurs within the ocean's water column due to variations in density, temperature, and salinity. These layers can significantly affect marine life, ocean currents, and climate regulation. The primary factors contributing to ocean stratification are: 1. **Temperature (Thermal Stratification)**: Warmer water is less dense than cooler water, leading to a temperature gradient.
An oceanic basin is a vast, submerged area of the Earth's surface that is covered by ocean water. It is characterized by various geological features, including: 1. **Continental Margins**: The areas where the ocean meets the continents, which can include continental shelves, slopes, and rises. 2. **Mid-Ocean Ridges**: Underwater mountain ranges formed by tectonic activity, where new oceanic crust is created as magma rises from the mantle.
An oceanic plateau is a large, flat, elevated region of the ocean floor that rises significantly above the surrounding seafloor. These geological features are typically formed by volcanic activity and are composed primarily of basaltic lava. Oceanic plateaus are generally classified as being large in area, and they often have a relatively shallow slope.
The term "oceanic zone" typically refers to a specific area of the ocean characterized by particular biological and physical properties. It is often used in the context of marine ecology and oceanography. The ocean is generally divided into several zones based on depth, distance from shore, and light penetration.
Outer trench swell refers to a geological feature typically associated with subduction zones, where one tectonic plate is being forced below another. In these regions, tectonic activity can generate a variety of structural features, including trenches and swells. When a tectonic plate subducts into the mantle, it can create a trench—the deepest part of the ocean floor. The outer trench swell is the elevated area located landward of the trench, characterized by a broad, gentle topographic rise.
The Overturning in the Subpolar North Atlantic Program (OSNAP) is a scientific initiative focused on studying and understanding the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) and its role in climate regulation and oceanic processes in the North Atlantic region. The program aims to monitor and analyze the interactions between the atmosphere and ocean, particularly how changes in ocean circulation can affect weather patterns, ocean temperatures, and climate systems on both regional and global scales.
The Oxygen Minimum Zone (OMZ) refers to a region of the ocean that has significantly reduced concentrations of dissolved oxygen compared to surrounding areas. These zones are typically found in the deeper waters of the ocean, often between about 200 meters and 1,000 meters in depth, although the specific depth can vary depending on the location and oceanographic conditions.
The Pacific Meridional Mode (PMM) is a climate pattern that involves variations in ocean temperature and atmospheric conditions in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. It is characterized by changes in sea surface temperatures (SSTs) that typically occur along a north-south gradient, affecting both the equator and higher latitudes. The PMM can influence weather patterns across the Pacific region and can affect global climate systems, including precipitation patterns, droughts, and temperature variations in various parts of the world.
The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) is a long-term oceanic and atmospheric pattern in the Pacific Ocean that influences climate variability in the North Pacific region and beyond. It is characterized by variations in sea surface temperatures (SST) and associated atmospheric conditions that typically cycle over a period of 20 to 30 years.
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.