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Marine Meteorology Basics
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Tropical Cyclone
A tropical cyclone is a rapidly rotating storm system characterized by a low-pressure center, high winds, and heavy rain. Mariners must be able to identify and navigate around these systems to ensure safety at sea.
Thermohaline Circulation
Thermohaline Circulation is a part of the large-scale ocean circulation driven by global density gradients created by surface heat and freshwater fluxes. It impacts climate and sea conditions, which mariners must consider for long-term navigation.
Coriolis Effect
The Coriolis Effect is the deflection of moving objects (like air masses and ocean currents) caused by the Earth's rotation. It is crucial for marine navigation as it affects wind patterns and ocean currents, which can impact a ship's route.
El Niño
El Niño is a climate pattern representing the warming of sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. It has significant effects on global weather patterns, which mariners must consider for long-term navigation planning.
Visibility
Visibility in marine meteorology refers to the distance at which objects or lights can be clearly seen, which is paramount for safe navigation, especially when manuevering near ports or in heavy traffic areas.
Salinity
Salinity is the saltiness or amount of salt dissolved in a body of water. It affects water density and therefore influences ocean currents, which mariners must understand to effectively plan navigation routes.
Fog
Fog is a visible aerosol consisting of tiny water droplets suspended in the air near the Earth's surface. Fog poses significant risks for marine navigation, reducing visibility and requiring the use of navigational aids.
Beaufort Wind Scale
The Beaufort Wind Scale is a standardized scale to measure wind speed. It helps mariners to assess sea conditions and make decisions about vessel operations and navigation.
Jet Stream
The jet stream is a narrow band of strong winds in the upper levels of the atmosphere. Their position and strength can influence weather patterns, which is critical for a ship's long-term route planning.
Iceberg
Icebergs are large pieces of freshwater ice floating in the ocean. Collisions with icebergs are a significant hazard for vessels, and icebergs' locations and drift patterns must be monitored closely in certain areas.
Ocean Current
Ocean currents are continuous, directed movements of sea water generated by forces such as wind, water temperature, salinity, and Earth's rotation. Knowledge of ocean currents is essential for fuel-efficient routing and safety.
Swell
Swell refers to long-wavelength ocean waves that are generated by distant weather systems. Knowing the direction and size of swells is important for determining the most comfortable and safe course for a ship.
Barometer
A barometer measures atmospheric pressure, which is vital for predicting weather changes. Changes in atmospheric pressure can indicate the arrival of storms or fair weather, which is fundamental for route planning in marine navigation.
Doppler Radar
Doppler radar is used to determine the velocity of precipitation, which can help in predicting the intensity and path of storms. This information is critical for marine navigation to avoid severe weather conditions.
Trade Winds
Trade winds are steady, persistent and predictable winds that blow towards the equator. Historically, they have been used by sailors for long-distance travel, and their patterns are still important for modern navigation.
Rogue Waves
Rogue waves are large, unexpected, and dangerous ocean waves. Mariners must be aware of the potential for these waves, as they can cause damage or capsizing of vessels.
Monsoon
Monsoons are seasonal wind patterns that cause wet and dry seasons in certain regions. Mariners must understand monsoon patterns to optimize travel routes and for the timing of shipping operations.
Tide
Tides are the periodic rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces exerted by the moon and the sun. Understanding tidal patterns is critical for port entry and exit, and for anchoring practices.
Wind Shear
Wind shear refers to a change in wind speed and direction over a short distance. It can cause sudden, dangerous changes in sea conditions, which mariners need to predict and react to for maintaining safety.
Marine Layer
A marine layer is an air mass that develops over the surface of a large body of water in the presence of a temperature inversion. It influences local weather and can affect visibility for ships, requiring attention to forecasts.
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