EM 1110-2-1100 (Change 1)
31 Jul 03
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LAGGING OF TIDE
The periodic retardation in the time of occurrence of high and low water due to changes in the relative positions of
the moon and sun.
LAGOON
A shallow body of water, like a pond or sound, partly or completely separated from the sea by a BARRIER
ISLAND or REEF. Sometimes connected to the sea via an INLET. (See Figure IV-1-6.)
LAMINAR FLOW
Slow, smooth flow, with each drop of water traveling a smooth path parallel to its neighboring drops. Laminar flow
is characteristic of low velocities, and particles of sediment in the flow zones are moved by rolling or SALTATION.
LAND BREEZE
A light wind blowing from the land to the sea, caused by unequal cooling of land and water masses.
LAND-SEA BREEZE
The combination of a land breeze and a sea breeze as a diurnal phenomenon.
LANDLOCKED
Enclosed, or nearly enclosed, by land--thus protected from the sea, as a bay or a harbor.
LANDMARK
A conspicuous object, natural or artificial, located near or on land, which aids in fixing the position of an observer.
LEAD LINE
A line, wire, or cord used in sounding (to obtain water depth). It is weighted at one end with a plummet (sounding
lead). Also SOUNDING LINE.
LEDGE
A rocky formation forming a ridge or REEF, especially one underwater or near shore
LEE
(1) Shelter, or the part or side sheltered or turned away from the wind or waves. (2) (Chiefly nautical) The quarter
or region toward which the wind blows.
LEEWARD
The direction toward which the wind is blowing; the direction toward which waves are traveling.
LENGTH OF WAVE
The horizontal distance between similar points on two successive waves measured perpendicularly to the crest.
LEVEE
(1) A ridge or EMBANKMENT of sand and silt, built up by a stream on its flood plain along both banks of its
channel. (2) A large DIKE or artificial EMBANKMENT, often having an access road along the top, which is designed as part
of a system to protect land from floods.
LIGHT BREEZE
A wind with velocity from 4 to 6 KNOTS.
LIMIT OF BACKRUSH (LIMIT OF BACKWASH)
See BACKRUSH, BACKWASH.
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Appendix A Glossary of Coastal Terminology