Meteopedia — Weather glossary
Weather encyclopedia with 342 terms
Browse detailed definitions of atmospheric phenomena, cloud types, measurement instruments, regional winds, meteorological scales, climatology and more.
M
Meteorological tide
Sea level variation caused by atmospheric pressure and wind, superimposed on the astronomical tide, which can raise or lower coastal levels by several decimetres.
Marine meteorologyMeteotsunami
Tsunami-like wave generated by rapid atmospheric disturbances (storms, gust fronts) over shallow waters, capable of raising sea level 1–3 metres within minutes.
Marine meteorologyO
Ocean current
Continuous flow of seawater in a given direction, driven by wind, temperature and salinity differences, and Earth's rotation.
Marine meteorologyOcean salinity
Concentration of dissolved salts in seawater, typically 35 g/L (35‰), which together with temperature determines water density and deep ocean circulation.
Marine meteorologyOcean waves
Surface waves on the sea generated by wind, characterised by height, period, and direction. Wind sea (local) and swell (remote) are distinguished.
Marine meteorologyS
Sea surface temperature
Temperature of the ocean's topmost layer (first centimetres to metres), a key factor in tropical cyclone formation and climate regulation.
Marine meteorologyStorm surge
Abnormal rise in sea level caused by a tropical cyclone's wind and low pressure, potentially exceeding 5 metres and the leading cause of death in hurricanes.
Marine meteorologySurf zone
Coastal strip where ocean waves lose stability and break upon encountering the shallow bottom, generating foam, turbulence, and littoral currents.
Marine meteorologySwell
Regular, long-period ocean waves generated by distant storms that travel thousands of kilometres without local wind, arriving at shores under clear skies.
Marine meteorology