Chapter 9

Review Questions

Explain why the Sun's influence on Earth's tides is only 46% that of the Moon's, even though the Sun is so much more massive than the Moon. although the sun is much larger than the moon and has much more gravitational power, the distance between the earth and the moon is extremely further than the distance between the earth and moon. so much that it greatly dampens the effect of the suns gravity.

Why is a lunar day 24 hours and 50 minutes long, while a solar day is 24 hours long? This happens because the moon revolves around the Earth in the same direction that the Earth is rotating on its axis. Therefore, it takes the Earth an extra 50 minutes to catch up to the moon.

Which is more technically …show more content…

How would this affect the tidal range during spring and neap conditions?

Diagram the Earth-Moon system's orbit about the Sun. Label the positions on the orbit at which the Moon and Sun are closet to and farthest from Earth, stating the terms used to identify them. Discuss the effects of the Moon's and Earth's positions on Earth's tides.

Observe the Moon from a reference location every night at about the same time for two weeks. Keep track of your observations about the shape (phase) of the Moon and its position in the sky. Then, compare these to reported tides in your area, How do the two compare? Oceanography
Chapter 10

Review Questions

Describe differences between summertime and wintertime beaches. Explain why these differences occur. summertime beaches are classified by light wave activity, that in turnproduces a wide sandy bermand a steep overall beach face. wintertime beaches are classified by heavy wave activity which produces a narrow rocky berm with a flat beach face.

What variables affect the speed of longshore currents? longshore current speeds increase as beach slope increases, as the angle at which breakers arrive at the beach increases, as wave height and frequency increases.

What is longshore drift, and how is it related to longshore current? longshore drift is the movement of sediment in a zigzag fashion caused by the longshore current.

How is the flow of water in a stream similar to longshore current?