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Eng ID Term Definition
1921
foresight
In LEVELLING, a reading on a LEVELLING ROD held on a point whose ELEVATION is to be deter­mined. See also BACKSIGHT.
1922
format
The general plan or arrangement of a product. Specification of succession and type of repre­sentation of elements of information (numbers, t... more
The general plan or arrangement of a product. Specification of succession and type of repre­sentation of elements of information (numbers, text) on a medium. A fixed format is equivalent to a table, while free formats use delimiters to separate indivi­dual elements or "tags" (based on a directory) to identify elements. A set of formats or a complex format determines the structure of how information is repre­sented on a medium.
1923
formation sounding
See SOUNDING.
1924
form lines
Lines drawn to represent the shape of TERRAIN; unlike CONTOUR LINES, these are drawn without regard to a true vertical DATUM or regular vert... more
Lines drawn to represent the shape of TERRAIN; unlike CONTOUR LINES, these are drawn without regard to a true vertical DATUM or regular vertical interval.
1925
forward azimuth
See AZIMUTH: GEODETIC.
1926
forward lap
See OVERLAP.
1927
foul
(1) To entangle or become entangled; e.g. as a propeller becoming entangled in cables, nets, or seaweed. (2) To attach or come to lie on th... more
(1) To entangle or become entangled; e.g. as a propeller becoming entangled in cables, nets, or seaweed. (2) To attach or come to lie on the surface of submerged objects, usually in large numbers or amounts as barnacles on the hull of a ship.
1928
foul area
An area of numerous uncharted dangers to navigation. The area charted serves as a warning to the mariner that all dangers are not charted in... more
An area of numerous uncharted dangers to navigation. The area charted serves as a warning to the mariner that all dangers are not charted indivi­dually and that navigation through the area may be hazardous. The term "foul" should not be applied to a soft continuum with indefinite boundaries such as mud or sand; to areas congested with marine vegetation such as kelp or grass in water; or to materials not likely to cause damage to a vessel.
1929
foul berth
A berth in which a vessel cannot swing to her anchor or moorings without fouling another vessel or striking an obstruction.
1930
foul bottom
A hard, uneven, rocky or obstructed BOTTOM having poor holding qualities for anchors, or one having ROCKS or WRECKAGE that would endanger an... more
A hard, uneven, rocky or obstructed BOTTOM having poor holding qualities for anchors, or one having ROCKS or WRECKAGE that would endanger an ancho­red vessel.
1931
foul ground
An area over which it is safe to navigate but which should be avoided for anchoring, taking the GROUND or GROUND fishing.
1932
fouling
The mass of living and non-living bodies and particles attached to or lying on the surface of a submerged man-made or introduced object; mor... more
The mass of living and non-living bodies and particles attached to or lying on the surface of a submerged man-made or introduced object; more commonly considered to be only the living or attached bodies.
1933
fractional scale
See SCALE: NATURAL.
1934
fracture zone
An extensive linear zone of irregular topography, mountainous or faulted, characterized by steep-sided or asymmetrical RIDGES, clefts, TROUG... more
An extensive linear zone of irregular topography, mountainous or faulted, characterized by steep-sided or asymmetrical RIDGES, clefts, TROUGHS, or ESCARPMENTS.
1935
frazil ice
Fine spicules or plates of ICE in suspen­sion in water.
1936
free-air anomaly
The difference between observed GRAVITY and theoretical GRAVITY which has been com­puted for LATITUDE and corrected for ELEVATION of the STA... more
The difference between observed GRAVITY and theoretical GRAVITY which has been com­puted for LATITUDE and corrected for ELEVATION of the STATION above or below the GEOID, by application of the normal rate of change of GRAVITY for change of ELEVATION, as in free air. Also called Faye anomaly.
1937
free atmosphere
See ATMOSPHERE.
1938
free convection
See CONVECTION.
1939
free gyroscope
See GYRO: FREE.
1940
free port
A port where certain import and export duties are waived (unless goods pass into the country) to facilitate re-shipment to other countries.