Flashcard: Fundamentals of Physical Oceanography — 9 carte

Convection — definition?

Vertical fluid movement caused by density differences.

Convection — definition?

Vertical fluid movement due to density differences.

Eddies — role?

Circular flows that enhance mixing and transport.

Eddies — formation causes?

Flow instabilities, wind shear, current shear.

Waves — restoring forces?

Gravity and Earth's rotation.

Hydrostatic equilibrium — balance?

Pressure gradient vs gravity.

Navier-Stokes equations — purpose?

Model fluid motion including forces.

Reynolds number — indicates?

Flow regime: laminar or turbulent.

Coriolis force — effect on flow?

Deflects moving fluids.