Ocean Day 2014

Glossary of Terms

A tide that occurs at or near the time of new or full moon (syzygy) and which rises highest and falls lowest from the mean sea level.

Continental Slope

The declivity from the offshore border of the continental shelf to oceanic depths. It is characterized by a marked increase in slope.

Swell

Wind-generated waves that have travelled out of their generating area. Swell characteristically exhibits a more regular and longer period and has flatter crests than waves within their fetch (seas).

Crest

Highest point on a beach face, breakwater, or seawall.

Undertow

A current below water surface flowing seaward; the receding water below the surface from waves breaking on a shelving beach. Actually undertow is largely mythical. As the backwash of each wave flows down the beach, a current is formed which flows seaward. However, it is a periodic phenomenon. The most common phenomena expressed as "undertow" are actually rip currents.

Institutional Integration

(As related to integrated coastal management) - The process of bringing together separate functions of government at different levels together with other stakeholders to provide a unified approach to interventions in the managed area.

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Ocean Day 2014