Vocabulary
amplitude The vertical height of a wave, measured from trough to crest.
Coriolis effect the apparent deflection of a moving object like water or air caused by
Earth’s rotation.
crest The highest point in a wave.
deep current A current deep within the ocean, which moves because of density differences
(caused by differences in water temperature and salinity).
high tide The maximum height reached by a tide in the course of a day.
low tide The minimum height reached by a tide in the course of a day.
neap tide A tide that occurs when the Moon, Sun, and Earth are at 90° angles to one
another. Tides have the smallest tidal range during a neap tide.
rip current Astrongsurfacecurrentofwaterthatisreturningtotheoceanfromtheshore.
spring tide A tide that occurs when the Moon, Sun, and Earth area all in a line. Tides
will have the greatest tidal range during a spring tide.
surface current A horizontal movement of ocean water, caused by surface winds.
tidal range The difference between the high and low tide.
tide The daily rise and fall in the level of the ocean water.
trough The lowest point in a wave.
tsunami A seismic sea wave generated by vertical movement of the ocean floor underwater
earthquake, underwater volcanic eruption or landslide or meteorite impact.
upwelling Cold, nutrient-rich water that rises from oceanic depths usually near the conti-
nents, when wind blows the overlying surface away or along the equator.
wave A change in the shape of water caused by energy moving through the water.
wavelength The horizontal distance between two troughs, or two crests in a wave.