Unit 2 - Shelf Seas: Circulation Flashcards
What are the two main regions of the shelf mentioned?
The inner shelf and the mid shelf.
What does “understanding frequency forcing” refer to?
It refers to analyzing how different forces interact with frequency changes in ocean dynamics.
What is upwelling?
Upwelling is a process where deeper, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, which is discussed in the context of coastal dynamics.
What influences the inner shelf according to the document?
It is influenced by riverine fresh-water input, tides, winds, and urban impacts.
What are headland vortices?
Headland vortices are swirling water movements that occur near coastal headlands.
What is the significance of surface and bottom boundary layers?
They overlap and interact, affecting ocean dynamics and processes such as turbulence and circulation.
How do surface waves impact the inner shelf?
Shoaling surface waves are typically negligible in inner shelf dynamics.
What type of circulation is usually balanced in the along-shelf flow?
The along-shelf circulation usually maintains a geostrophic balance.
What does the term “low pass filtered” refer to in data analysis?
It refers to a method of analyzing data by removing high-frequency fluctuations to focus on longer-term trends.
What is the resolution of the low-pass filtered timeseries mentioned?
The resolution is 1-minute with a total duration of 33 hours.
Name one of the spatial scales mentioned in the document.
Spatial scales include 1 cm, 10 cm, up to 10,000 km.
What is the role of wind and tides in the inner shelf dynamic processes?
Wind and tides are boundary layer-driven processes that affect circulation and interactions in the coastal region.
What is referred to as “background” in the context of frequency modulation?
Lower-frequency modulation that provides a baseline or reference against which higher-frequency changes are compared.
What challenges might arise when comparing observational scales?
There may be variations in observations due to different scales of frequency changes and environmental conditions.
How is friction related to the Ekman principle in upwelling?
Friction interacts with wind and Coriolis forces to drive the upwelling process, affecting the vertical movement of the water.
What impacts do urban activities have on coastal dynamics?
Urban impacts may include channel deepening and alterations in water flow and quality.
What does the term “Internal Waves” refer to?
oscillations within water column that affect density and stratification.
What might “diurnal heating and cooling” influence?
It influences coastal temperature variations and circulation patterns over a 24-hour period.
What were the roles of eddies in the context of ocean dynamics?
Eddies contribute to mixing and the redistribution of energy and nutrients within the water column.
What are “spring-neap” tides?
They refer to the variation in tidal range that occurs in a predictable cycle based on the moon’s position.
How are rip currents described?
Rip currents are localized, strong flows of water moving away from the shore, posing risks to swimmers.
What is “turbulent mixing” in ocean dynamics?
Turbulent mixing refers to the chaotic movement of water that enhances mixing and nutrient distribution.
How does climate change factor into coastal processes?
Climate change can alter sea levels, temperatures, and ocean circulation patterns, impacting coastal dynamics.
How often was the data sampling performed in the mentioned timeseries?
Data sampling was performed at a resolution of 1 minute.
