Marine Weather and Tides Flashcards
6 cards from real OUPV practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Marine Weather and Tides flashcards as text
What weather condition is indicated by a rapidly falling barometer?
Answer: A storm or severe weather approaching
A rapidly falling barometric pressure indicates approaching storm conditions, typically with strong winds and precipitation.
What is a spring tide?
Answer: A tide with the greatest range between high and low water, occurring during full and new moons
Spring tides produce the highest highs and lowest lows due to the combined gravitational pull of the sun and moon when they are aligned.
What does a veering wind mean?
Answer: A wind that shifts direction clockwise
A veering wind shifts clockwise. This typically indicates improving weather conditions in the Northern Hemisphere.
How do you calculate the height of tide at a specific time between high and low water?
Answer: Use the Rule of Twelfths or NOAA tide table predictions
The Rule of Twelfths approximates tidal rise and fall, which is not linear. NOAA tide tables provide more precise predictions.
What is a sea breeze and when does it typically occur?
Answer: An onshore wind during the day caused by differential heating of land and water
A sea breeze is a daytime onshore wind that occurs because land heats faster than water, creating a pressure differential.
What weather phenomenon creates the most dangerous conditions for small vessels in coastal waters?
Answer: Thunderstorms with their associated gusty winds, lightning, and reduced visibility
Thunderstorms produce sudden severe wind gusts, dangerous lightning, intense rain reducing visibility, and steep confused seas.