Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Oceanography

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Oceanography 1. Current vs. Tide Current and tide are two terms often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. A current refers to the continuous flow of water in a particular direction, while a tide is the periodic rise and fall of sea levels. Currents are influenced by factors like wind, temperature, and salinity, whereas tides are primarily caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. 2. Ocean vs. Sea Although ocean and sea are often used synonymously, there is a difference between the two. An ocean is a vast body of saltwater, covering a significant portion of the Earth's surface. Seas, on the other hand, are partially enclosed by land. Seas are usually smaller than oceans and are often connected to an ocean. 3. Continental Shelf vs. Continental Slope The continental shelf and the continental slope are distinct features of the ocean floor. The continental shelf is the gently sloping, submerged portion of a continent, extending from the shoreline to the continental slope. In contrast, the continental slope is the steeper, often more dramatic, transition between the continental shelf and the deep ocean floor. 4. Phytoplankton vs. Zooplankton Phytoplankton and zooplankton are two types of microscopic organisms that form the base of the marine food chain. Phytoplankton are photosynthetic, plant-like organisms, while zooplankton are animal-like. Phytoplankton produce their food through photosynthesis, while zooplankton feed on other organisms, including phytoplankton.