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First Semester (2nd Year) > METEO (FINALS) > Flashcards

METEO (FINALS) Flashcards

1
Q

act as vast
conveyors of heat, nutrients, and moisture, significantly shaping the Earth’s climate system

A

Ocean currents

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2
Q

, driven by wind and Earth’s rotation, move warm water from the equator toward the poles
and cold water from the poles back toward the equator

A

Surface currents

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3
Q

transports warm water from the Gulf of Mexico to the North Atlantic, moderating
the climate of Western Europe, making it warmer than other regions at the same latitude

A

Gulf Stream

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4
Q

cold currents like the _ bring cool, nutrient-rich waters down the western coast
of North America, which leads to cooler coastal temperatures

A

California Current

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5
Q

These are large-scale interactions between ocean currents and atmospheric circulation in the Pacific Ocean,
which significantly alter global weather patterns

A

El Niño and La Niña Phenomena

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6
Q

involves the weakening of trade winds and the warming of the central and eastern Pacific, leading to
increased precipitation in the Americas and droughts in Australia and Southeast Asia.

A

El Niño

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7
Q

is the opposite, with stronger trade winds and colder-than-normal sea surface temperatures, often
leading to opposite weather extremes (dry conditions in the Americas and wet conditions in Southeast Asia).

A

La Niña

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8
Q

help distribute moisture, affecting precipitation patterns around the world

A

Currents

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9
Q

is influenced by the seasonal reversal of winds and the
movement of warm ocean water, causing intense rains during the summer monsoon

A

Indian Ocean Monsoon

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10
Q

moves deep, cold, and salty water around the
globe. This system regulates long-term climate patterns by redistributing heat and nutrients, and
any disruption (such as from melting polar ice) could lead to significant climate changes

A

global conveyor belt (thermohaline circulation)

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11
Q

If the _ were to weaken, it could lead
to colder winters in Europe and shifts in global climate patterns

A

Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)

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12
Q

not only regulate temperatures locally but also influence large-scale climate
phenomena, making them essential to understanding global weather patterns. The interaction between
oceans and atmosphere is a key driver in determining weather variability, precipitation patterns, and
long-term climate changes across the globe.

A

Ocean currents

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13
Q

Climate change is altering traditional ocean current patterns, such as the _. These changes can affect weather patterns, marine ecosystems, and
maritime navigation

A

weakening of the Gulf Stream or
shifts in the Pacific Decadal Oscillation

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14
Q

is constantly evolving, driven by advances in technology, new discoveries, and the
changing nature of oceanic patterns due to climate change. Continuous learning is vital for professionals in
maritime operations and other fields related to oceanography to stay updated with new development

A

field of oceanography

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15
Q

allow for real-time monitoring of sea surface heights and ocean current
movements.

A

Satellite altimetry and drifters

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16
Q

provide critical data on ocean temperature and salinity profiles, improving our understanding of
the deep ocean’s role in heat distribution

A

Argo floats

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17
Q

and remote sensing tools help in collecting vast amounts of
oceanographic data, facilitating more accurate predictions of ocean behavior and weather patterns

A

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs)

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18
Q

Changing ocean currents can influence shipping routes, with _ needing
adaptation to new current patterns

A

optimal route planning

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19
Q

Utilizing updated editions of _ provides the latest information for safe and efficient maritime operations

A

Reed’s Nautical Almanac, Admiralty Tide Tables, and NOAA Ocean
Current Forecasts

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20
Q

follow regular, cyclical patterns that are influenced by the gravitational forces of the moon, sun, and
Earth’s rotation.

A

tides

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21
Q

three primary tidal cycles:

A

Semidiurnal Tides, Diurnal Tides, Mixed Tides

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22
Q

These occur twice daily, with two high tides and two low tides of roughly equal
height within a 24-hour period. This is the most common type of tide and is seen in locations such as
the Atlantic coast of North America

A

Semidiurnal Tides

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23
Q

In this cycle, there is only one high tide and one low tide per day. are typical in places like the Gulf of Mexico and parts of Southeast Asia

A

Diurnal Tides

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24
Q
  • These involve two high and two low tides per day, but the heights of each tide vary significantly. are seen in regions like the Pacific coast of North America.
A

Mixed Tides

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25
Q

is the vertical difference between the high tide and the low tide. It is influenced by the relative
positions of the Earth, moon, and sun

A

tidal range

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26
Q

These occur when the Earth, moon, and sun are aligned during full or new moons. The
gravitational forces of the moon and the sun work together, resulting in the highest high tides and the lowest
low tides, producing a large tidal range

A

Spring Tides-

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27
Q

tidal ranges

A

Spring Tides- Neap Tides-

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28
Q

These occur when the sun and moon are at right angles relative to the Earth (during the first and
third quarters of the moon). The gravitational forces partially cancel each other out, leading to lower high tides
and higher low tides, creating a small tidal range

A

Neap Tides-

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29
Q

In the Bay of Fundy, Canada, which has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world, spring tides can result in a
difference of _ between high and low tides

A

over 16 meters

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30
Q

Occur when the gravitational pull of the moon (and to a lesser extent, the sun) causes the water to
bulge outward. This happens on the side of the Earth facing the moon, as well as on the opposite side due to
the Earth being pulled slightly away from the water.

A

High Tides-

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31
Q

x Occur between the high tides when water levels fall. Low tides represent the areas of least
gravitational pull, as the moon’s influence is weakest at the positions roughly perpendicular to the moon-Earth
axis.

A

Low Tides-

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32
Q

A coastal region like _ experiences semidiurnal tides, with two high and two low tides each
day, with the height difference fluctuating with the lunar cycle

A

San Francisco Bay

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33
Q

are the horizontal movement of water caused by the rise and fall of tides. These currents are
crucial for navigation, as they can significantly affect a vessel’s speed and course

A

Tidal currents

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34
Q

The horizontal water movement toward the shore, associated with rising (incoming) tides

A

Flood Current-

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35
Q

The horizontal water movement away from the shore, associated with falling (outgoing) tides

A

Ebb Current

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36
Q

The period when the tidal current is at its weakest, occurring between flood and ebb currents

A

Slack Water-

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37
Q

Tidal Currents

A

Flood Current, Ebb Current, Slack Water

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38
Q

in narrow channels like the _, tidal currents can reach several knots, strongly influencing
navigation, particularly during flood and ebb tides

A

Strait of Gibraltar

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39
Q

are primarily driven by the gravitational pull of the moon, with the sun also exerting a significant but
lesser influence. Together, these celestial bodies create the regular tidal patterns experienced across the
globe

A

Tides

40
Q

The moon’s gravity causes water to bulge outward on the side of the
Earth facing it, creating a high tide. Due to the Earth’s rotation, a second high tide occurs on the
opposite side. The moon is the dominant force behind the tides because it is much closer to Earth
than the sun

A

Moon’s Gravitational Influence-

41
Q

The sun also influences tides, but its effect is weaker due to the greater
distance from Earth. However, during spring tides, when the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned, the
combined gravitational pull results in stronger tides

A

Sun’s Gravitational Influence-

42
Q

During a full moon or new moon, the Earth, moon, and sun align, enhancing
the tidal range, leading to higher high tides and lower low tides

A

Spring Tide Alignment:

43
Q

provide a consistent basis for measuring and predicting tides, and they are
defined in relation to specific tidal events

A

Tidal datums

44
Q

is a reference point from which tidal heights are measured. It is established by averaging
observed tidal data over a specified period, typically over 19 years

A

tidal datum

45
Q

most common tidal datums include

A

Mean High Water (MHW), Mean Low Water (MLW)

46
Q

The average height of the high water over a specified period (usually 19
years). is often used as a reference point for maritime navigation and coastal development

A

Mean High Water (MHW)-

47
Q

The average height of the low water over the same specified period. is used to define the lowest expected tide in a region

A

Mean Low Water (MLW)-

48
Q

Other Common Tidal Datums

A

Mean Sea Level (MSL), Mean Low Water Springs (MLWS), Mean High Water Springs (MHWS)-

49
Q

The average sea level measured over a long period (typically 19 years), which serves as a baseline for determining elevations in coastal areas.

A

Mean Sea Level (MSL)-

50
Q

The average of the lower low waters that occur during spring tides,
which provides a reference for the lowest tides during high tidal ranges.

A

Mean Low Water Springs (MLWS)-

51
Q

The average of the higher high waters that occur during spring
tides, providing insight into the upper tidal ranges

A

Mean High Water Springs (MHWS)-

52
Q

are physical markers set by surveying organizations to indicate the elevation of a specific tidal datum at a particular location. they provide essential reference points for various applications, including coastal engineering, flood risk management, and habitat restoration.

A

Benchmarks

53
Q

are typically determined through long-term tidal observations at tide gauges, which
measure sea level changes over time.
Data collected over a 19-year cycle allows for the calculation of averages, providing a reliable basis for
establishing MHW, MLW, and other tidal datums

A

Tidal datums

54
Q

are essential for navigation charts, ensuring safe passage for vessels by indicating safe
water depths.
They are used in coastal development projects to assess flood risk, manage wetlands, and support
infrastructure planning.
helps predict the impact of sea-level rise on coastal areas

A

Tidal datums

55
Q

is a powerful tool in oceanography and tidal studies, allowing researchers and
practitioners to decompose tidal observations into their constituent components. This analysis helps
accurately predict tidal patterns and understand the underlying physical processes driving tides

A

Harmonic analysis

56
Q

Tides that occur once every lunar day, with a period of approximately 24
hours. The principal diurnal constituent is the K1 tide (solar semi-diurnal)

A

Diurnal Components-

57
Q

Tides that occur twice daily, with a period of approximately 12
hours. The major semidiurnal constituents include the M2 tide (principal lunar semi-diurnal), S2
tide (solar semi-diurnal), and N2 tide (larger elliptic lunar tide)

A

Semidiurnal Components

58
Q

Tides can be decomposed into various components based on their periodicity. The two primary
categories of tidal components are:

A

Diurnal Components- Semidiurnal Components

59
Q

employs Fourier series to express tidal observations as a sum of sine and cosine
functions. This mathematical representation allows for the separation of various tidal frequencies.
Each tidal component has its amplitude (height) and phase (timing), which can be derived from
historical tidal data

A

Harmonic analysis

60
Q

The following steps outline a typical process for harmonic analysis

A

*Data Preparation- Collect and preprocess tidal observations to remove noise and irregularities.i.
*Fourier Analysis- Apply Fourier transforms to the data, breaking it down into its harmonic components.ii.
*Fitting Models- Fit harmonic models to the observed data, estimating the amplitude and phase for each
tidal constituent.
*Validation- Compare predicted tidal heights with actual observations to validate the accuracy of the
harmonic model.

61
Q

Applications of Harmonic Analysis

A

*Tidal Prediction- Harmonic analysis provides the foundation for predicting future tides based on historical
data, essential for navigation and coastal management.
*Understanding Tidal Dynamics- By analyzing the components of tides, researchers can gain insights into
how various factors (e.g., gravitational forces, wind, and atmospheric pressure) influence tidal behavior.
*Climate Change Studies- Harmonic analysis helps assess how changing sea levels and climate patterns
might affect tidal ranges and frequencies

62
Q

are specific values derived from harmonic analysis that describe the characteristics of
tidal constituents at a given location.

A

Tidal constants

63
Q

The height of the tidal wave associated with a specific tidal component (e.g., M2, S2).

A

Amplitude-

64
Q

The timing of the tidal component relative to a reference point (usually the time of a known high
or low tide)

A

Phase-

65
Q

The phase difference between the actual tide observed and the theoretical tide calculated
based on tidal constants. This lag can be due to local conditions such as wind or atmospheric
pressure

A

Tidal Lag-

66
Q

Adjustments made to account for the height of the tide at a specific location
relative to the datum (e.g., Mean Sea Level). For example, if a location is 5 meters above MSL, the
calculated tidal height must be adjusted upward by 5 meters

A

Elevation Corrections-

67
Q

Adjustments based on local geography, such as the shape of the
coastline or the presence of islands and bays, which can influence tidal behavior

A

Geographical Corrections-

68
Q

is the time lag between the theoretical tide and the observed tide

A

phase difference

69
Q

The movement of the Earth affects the timing of tides

A

Earth’s Rotation-

70
Q

Geographic features, weather patterns, and human activities can shift the timing of
high and low tides.

A

Local Effects-

71
Q

To calculate the tide height accounting for phase differences:

A
  1. Identify the tidal constants for the location.
  2. Adjust the timing of the predicted tide based on the known phase difference.
  3. Use the adjusted phase to determine the expected height of the tide
72
Q

are theoretical points in the ocean where there is little to no tidal range due to the
rotation of the Earth and the shape of ocean basins. As tides propagate, they rotate around these points,
and tidal heights decrease with distance from the

A

Amphidromic points

73
Q

Shallow water affects tidal behavior significantly due to the following reasons:

A

Friction- In shallow areas, tides encounter more friction, which can lead to a reduction in tidal heights.
Wave Propagation- The speed of tidal waves changes in shallow water, affecting timing and height.
Resonance- In some locations, shallow bays can amplify tidal ranges due to resonance effects

74
Q

Calculation Steps

A
  1. Obtain Tidal Constants- Gather data for the relevant tidal components (M2, S2, etc.) and their
    amplitudes and phases.
  2. Calculate Theoretical Tide- Use the constants to calculate the theoretical tidal height at the
    specific time.
  3. Apply Corrections- Adjust for phase differences, geographical factors, and shallow water effects
    to arrive at a corrected tidal height.
  4. Account for Amphidromic Points- Factor in the proximity to amphidromic points if applicable.
  5. Predict Currents- Calculate tidal currents based on the height differences and the local
    bathymetry (depth of water) to estimate flow rates during flood and ebb conditions.
75
Q

The captain must refer to tide tables to ascertain the tidal heights and plan the
arrival during high tide to ensure enough draft

A

Impact on Water Depths-

76
Q

The captain may need to plot a route that avoids shallower areas that could
become hazards at low tide

A

Safe Passage Planning-

77
Q

If a vessel arrives at low tide and the berth has a minimum depth requirement, it may
not be able to dock. The captain needs to coordinate with port authorities to find an alternative berth or
adjust the arrival time

A

Berth Availability-

78
Q

Understanding the timing of tides is crucial. If a vessel is scheduled to leave the
port, it must do so when the tide is high enough to safely clear the channel

A

Timing of Entrances/Exits-

79
Q
A
80
Q

Which of the ff. best describes the concept of “slack water” in tidal current?

A

C. When there is little to no current

81
Q

What is the main influence of the moon on Earth’s tide?

A

B. It pulls water towards itself, causing high tides

82
Q
  1. Which tidal cycle is characterized by one high tide and one low tide each day?
A

C. Diurnal Tides

83
Q

What tidal range results from the gravitational forces of the sun and moon being at right angles?

A

B. Neap Tides

84
Q

Which tidal datum is defined as the average height of low water over a specified period?

A

A. Mean Low Water (MLW)

85
Q

How do Argo floats contribute to oceanographic studies?

A

B. By providing data on temperature/salinity

86
Q

If the Gulf Stream weakens, which of the ff. could be a potential impact on Europe’s climate?

A

B. Cooler winters and more severe weather

87
Q

Which term describes a reference point from which tidal heights are measured?

A

C. Tidal Datum

88
Q

What is the primary tidal component that occurs twice daily, with a period of approximately 12 hours?

A

B. M2

89
Q

Which tidal current describes the horizontal water movement toward the shore during rising tides?

A

C. Flood Current

90
Q

What is the purpose of tidal stream atlases in navigation?

A

A. To measure sea level, direction, and strength of current

91
Q

. A vessel is navigating a channel with a significant ebb current. To compensate for the drift, what should the navigator consider?

A

C. Decrease speed to prevent drift

92
Q

What might strong wind condition influence the accuracy of tidal height predictions based on tidal constants alone?

A

A. They may lead to underestimation of high and low tides
C. They can result in either increase or decrease tides

93
Q

The captain must account for the direction and strength of the tidal current, which can
significantly alter the ship’s course. For example, if the current is flowing east at 3 knots and the ship is trying
to head north at 5 knots, the effective ground speed will be influenced by the current.

A

Tidal Streams

94
Q

The captain uses vector analysis to calculate the resultant course. If the ship’s intended
path is 350° at 5 knots, and the current pushes it 3 knots to the east, the effective course might change to
010°

A

Calculating Drift-

95
Q

By analyzing current tables and weather forecasts, the captain may decide to wait for a
slack tide or adjust the route to minimize the effect of the current, ensuring a more efficient and safe
passage.

A

Voyage Planning-

96
Q

The navigator annotates tidal diamonds on the chart to indicate the expected tidal
heights and times. Each diamond indicates the direction and strength of currents, which can guide the
vessel’s route.

A

Tidal Information-

First Semester (2nd Year) (14 decks)

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