LESSON 1-THE SEA SURFACE(SUMMARY The surface of the sea varies much like that of the land. It can be smooth, rough or ice covered. Its state is governed to a great extent by the atmosphere with which it interfaces. The wind is the primary controller of the sea state (wave action) and the circulation pattern within the oceans (the major ocean currents). The air and seawater temperature differences control the evaporation and condensation processes, while the air temperatures control the formation of sea ice to a large extent).OVERVIEWRecognize the difference in ocean waves. Define fetch and Differentiate between sea ice and land ice.OUTLINESurf (Define surf, and recognize the factors that affect it).Nearshore circulation (Recognize and explain the nearshore circulation system).
Man is in a unique position with regard to Earth’s atmosphere and the oceans. He lives at the bottom of one and at the top of the other. The atmosphere is an ocean of air, and the seas, an ocean of water. In many respects, the atmosphere and the oceans are similar. For example, there are air currents and ocean currents, atmospheric waves (long and short) and ocean waves, and the land (terrain) beneath the sea is much like that beneath the atmosphere.Since the oceans of air and water interface and each has a definite impact on the other, let’s begin at the point of interface (the surface) and work down.
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