Storm Surge - Rise above normal water level on the open coast due to action of wind on the water surface. Storm
surge resulting from a hurricane also includes the rise in level due to atmospheric pressure reduction as well as
that due to wind stress. See SETUP, WIND.
Swell - Wind-generated waves traveling out of their generating area. Swell characteristically exhibits a more
regular and longer period, and has flatter crests than waves within their fetch.
Tidal Ranqe - Difference in height between consecutive high and low or higher high and lower low) waters. The
mean range is the difference in height between mean high water and mean low water. The diurnal range is the
difference in height between mean higher high water and mean lower low water. For diurnal tides, the mean and
diurnal range are identical. For semidiurnal and mixed tides, the spring range is the difference in height between
the high and low waters during the time of spring tides.
Tide - Periodic rising and falling of water resulting from gravitational attraction of the moon, sun and other
astronomical bodies acting upon the rotating earth. Although the accompanying horizontal movement of the
water resulting from the same cause is also sometimes called tide, it is preferable to designate the latter as tidal
current, reserving the name TIDE for vertical movement.
Tide Station - Place at which tide observations are being taken. A primary tide station is a location where
continuous observations are taken over a number of years to obtain basic tidal data for the locality. A secondary
tide station is operated over a short period of time to obtain data for a specific purpose.
Tie Rod - Steel rod used to tie back the top of a bulkhead or seawall. Also, a U-shaped rod used to tie
Sandgrabber blocks together, or a straight rod used to tie Nami Rings together.
Tiller - A plant SHOOT which springs from the root or bottom of the original plant stalk.
Topography - Configuration of a surface, including relief, position of streams, roads, buildings, etc.
Transplant - SHOOT or CULM removed from one location and replanted in another.
Trough of Wave - Lowest part of a waveform between successive crests. Also, that part of a wave below
stillwater level.
Updrift - Direction opposite the predominant movement of littoral materials in longshore transport.
Wake (boat) - Waves generated by the motion of a vessel through water.
Wale - Horizontal beam on a bulkhead used to laterally transfer loads against the structure and hold it in a
straight alignment.
Waterline - Juncture of land and sea. This line migrates, changing with the tide or other fluctuation in water
level. Where waves are present on the beach, this line is also known as the limit of backrush. (Approximately,
the intersection of land with Stillwater level.)
Wave - Ridge, deformation, or undulation of the surface of a liquid.
Wave Climate - Normal seasonal wave regimen along a shoreline.
155
Previous Page
