Gravitation: The mutual attraction between two masses of matter. The rotation of the earth and the atmosphere modifies this attraction to produce the field of gravity.

 

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Gravitation: The mutual attraction between two masses of matter. The rotation of the earth and the atmosphere modifies this attraction to produce the field of gravity.

Tide: The periodic rising and falling of the earth's oceans and atmosphere. It is the result of the tide-producing forces of the moon and the sun acting on the rotating earth. This propagates a wa . . . View Full Definition

Tidal Wave: A shallow water wave caused by the gravitational interactions between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Essentially, high water is the crest of a tidal wave and low water, the trough. Tidal current . . . View Full Definition

Tide-Producing Potential: Tendency for particles on the Earth to change their positions as a result of the gravitational interactions between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Although gravitational attraction varies inverse . . . View Full Definition

Tide-Producing Force: That part of the gravitational attraction of the Moon and Sun which is effective in producing the tides on the Earth. The force varies approximately as the mass of the attracting body and in . . . View Full Definition

Tidal Current: A water current generated by regularly varying tidal forces

Isostasy: A condition of gravitational balance (similar to floating) in which a mass of lighter crustal rocks are buoyantly supported from below by denser mantle rocks. The crustal rocks above subside . . . View Full Definition

G-Force: The amount of gravitational pull simulated during a period of high acceleration or a sudden change in direction. (Plural: G-Forces)

Proto-Sun: An intermediate stage in the development of a star in which a large cloud of dust and gases gradually condenses through gravitational actions.

Neap Tide: A tide of decreased range, which occurs about every two weeks when the moon is at one quarter or three-quarters full.