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What is a navigation response team?

This entry was posted on 30 August, 2010
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Navigation response teams are mobile emergency response units equipped and trained to survey waterways immediately following a hurricane. More

Filed under  Transportation> Transportation Studies...

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Why is the ocean salty, but rivers flowing into it are not?

This entry was posted on 23 August, 2010
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The saltiness of the ocean is the result of several natural influences and processes; water from rivers entering the ocean is just one of these factors.  More

Filed under  Physical Properties...

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What is the difference between a dolphin and a porpoise?

This entry was posted on 18 August, 2010
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Dolphins and porpoises differ in their faces, fins, and body shapes.  More

Filed under  Animals...

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What is marine forensic science?

This entry was posted on 10 August, 2010
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Marine forensic science supports enforcement of our nation's laws which protect our nation’s valuable fisheries resources, marine mammals, and endangered species.  More

Filed under  Ocean Life (misc.)...

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What is an invasive species?

This entry was posted on 6 August, 2010
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An invasive species, also known as an exotic or nuisance species, is an organism or plant that is introduced into a new environment, where it is not native.  More

Filed under  Health...

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Why does the ocean get colder at depth?

This entry was posted on 28 July, 2010
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Cold water has a higher density than warm water. Deep water gets colder at depth because cold, salty ocean water sinks to the bottom of the ocean basins. Less dense, warmer water rises to the surface.  More

Filed under  Physical Properties...

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What makes the right whale “right”?

This entry was posted on 21 July, 2010
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The right whale got its name because it was the "right" whale to hunt--it was slow moving and floated after being killed More

Filed under  Animals...

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How long is the U.S. shoreline?

This entry was posted on 14 July, 2010
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NOAA's official value for the total length of the U.S. shoreline is 95,471 miles. More

Filed under  Coastal Management...

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Where is the largest estuary in the United States?

This entry was posted on 7 July, 2010
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The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the United States and is one of the most productive bodies of water in the world. More

Filed under  Currents...

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What is an eddy?

This entry was posted on 28 June, 2010
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General patterns of ocean flow are called currents. Sometimes theses currents can pinch off sections and create circular currents of water called an eddy.

You may have seen an eddy if you've ever gone canoeing and you see a small whirlpool of water from your paddle.. More

Filed under  Currents...

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