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Eng ID Term Definition
5101
storm
WIND with a SPEED between 44 and 50 KNOTS (Beau­fort scale wind force 10). NOTE: The term 'storm' has been substituted for the term 'whole g... more
WIND with a SPEED between 44 and 50 KNOTS (Beau­fort scale wind force 10). NOTE: The term 'storm' has been substituted for the term 'whole gale' in U.S. Weather Bureau Warnings. This term refers to wind speeds of 48-63 KNOTS.
5102
storm high water
See HIGH WATER.
5103
storm surge
A RISE above normal water level on the OPEN COAST due only to the action of WIND stress on the water surface. Storm surge resulting from a H... more
A RISE above normal water level on the OPEN COAST due only to the action of WIND stress on the water surface. Storm surge resulting from a HURRI­CANE or other intense STORM also includes the RISE in level due to ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE reduction as well as that due to wind stress. A storm surge is more severe when it occurs in conjunction with a HIGH TIDE. Also called storm tide, storm wave, tidal wave.
5104
storm tide
See STORM SURGE.
5105
storm warning
See WARNING.
5106
storm wave
See WAVE.
5107
straight-edge
A bar of wood, metal, etc. with one edge accurately straight for drawing straight lines in cartographic applications.
5108
straight line
Mathematically the line of shortest distance between two points in a specified space or on a specified surface.
5109
strait
(also straits). A PASSAGE connecting two larger bodies of water.
5110
straits used for international navigation
Geographi­cally, a narrow passage between two land masses or islands or group of islands connecting two larger sea areas.
5111
strand
The portion of the SEASHORE between high and low water line.
5112
strand
(v.t. & i.). To run aground. The term strand usually refers to a serious grounding, while the term GROUND refers to any grounding, however s... more
(v.t. & i.). To run aground. The term strand usually refers to a serious grounding, while the term GROUND refers to any grounding, however slight.
5113
stranded
(1) The terms "stranded" and "sunken" apply exclusively to items that once were afloat but which are now resting on the bottom. Stranded ite... more
(1) The terms "stranded" and "sunken" apply exclusively to items that once were afloat but which are now resting on the bottom. Stranded items project above the sounding datum while sunken items do not project above the sounding datum. These terms apply most often to wrecks. Masts, funnels, and other extensions of wreck superstructure should be disregarded when applying the above definition; i.e., such features may project above the sounding datum and still have the wreck classified as sunken. (2) The grounding of a vessel so that it is not soon refloated; a serious grounding.
5114
strath
A broad elongated DEPRESSION with relatively steep walls located on a CONTINENTAL SHELF. The longi­tudinal profile of the floor is gently un... more
A broad elongated DEPRESSION with relatively steep walls located on a CONTINENTAL SHELF. The longi­tudinal profile of the floor is gently undulating with greatest DEPTHS often found in the inshore portion.
5115
stratification
The state of a fluid that consists of two or more horizontal layers arranged according to their density.
5116
stratocumulus
See CLOUD GENERA.
5117
stratopause
Top of the INVERSION LAYER in the upper STRATOSPHERE, at about 50-55 km.
5118
stratosphere
Region of the ATMOSPHERE, situated bet­ween the TROPOPA­USE and the STRATOPAUSE, in which the temperature generally increases with HEIGHT. F... more
Region of the ATMOSPHERE, situated bet­ween the TROPOPA­USE and the STRATOPAUSE, in which the temperature generally increases with HEIGHT. From an imperfect analogy with the ATMOSPHERE, the term is sometimes applied in OCEANOGRAPHY to the nearly uniform masses of cold, deep and bottom water of middle and low LATITUDES. This LAYER is separated from the TROPO­SPHERE by the THER­MOCLINE.
5119
stratum
(pl. strata). A single sedimentary bed or LAYER of generally homogenous ROCK, independent of thickness.
5120
stratus
See CLOUD GENERA.