how long the wind blows

LinksSuggested ReadingsGlossaryOceanography Defined Glossary Albedo: the ability of a planet to reflect light; whiteness

 the angle between a wave front (usually an electromagnetic wave) or a wave ray and the plane of an interface that it meets; the angle of approach; important in refraction

 a ring shaped coral reef that grows upward from a submerged volcanic peak and encloses a lagoon; may support low-lying islands composed of coral debris

 a coral reef that parallels the shore but is separated from the landmass by open water

 a radio transmitter that emits a signal as a warning or guide

 icebergs that have broken up into pieces too small to be considered a threat; they are officially no longer considered to be an iceberg

 A fast geostrophic currents found close to the coast on the west side of a gyre. The Gulf Stream is an example of a western boundary current

 a floating object anchored to the bottom or attached to another object; used as a navigational aid or surface marker

 the process of icebergs breaking off from glaciers