EM 1110-2-1100 (Change 1)
31 Jul 03
MEAN STEEPNESS
The ratio of the MEAN DEPTH to the horizontal distance over which the MEAN DEPTH was determined.
MEAN TIDE LEVEL
A plane midway between MEAN HIGH WATER and MEAN LOW WATER. Not necessarily equal to MEAN
SEA LEVEL. Also HALF-TIDE LEVEL.
MEAN WATER LEVEL
The mean surface level as determined by averaging the heights of the water at equal intervals of time, usually at
hourly intervals.
MEAN WAVE HEIGHT
The mean of all individual waves in an observation interval of approximately half an hour. In case of a Rayleigh-
distribution 63% of the significant wave height.
MEANDERING
A single channel having a pattern of successive deviations in alignment which results in a more or less sinusoidal
course.
MECHANICAL DREDGE
Mechanical plant characterized by the use of some form of bucket to excavate and raise the bottom material
Normally, the mechanical dredge deposits material into a barge that transports it to the disposal site, but in some cases, the
dredged material can be deposited directly in-water or placed on the bank immediately adjacent to the work area. Mechanical
dredges may be classified into two sub-groups by how their buckets are connected to the dredge: (1) wire rope (i.e., clamshell
or dragline), and (2) structurally (i.e., a backhoe).
MEDIAN DIAMETER
The diameter which marks the division of a given sand sample into two equal parts by weight, one part containing
all grains larger than that diameter and the other part containing all grains smaller.
MEGARIPPLE
See SAND WAVE.
MESO-TIDAL
Tidal range between 2 m and 4 m.
METEOROLOGICAL TIDES
Tidal constituents having their origin in the daily or seasonal variation in weather conditions which may occur with
some degree of periodicity.
MICRO-TIDAL
Tidal range less than 2 m.
MID-EXTREME TIDE
A plane midway between the extreme high water and the extreme LOW WATER occurring in any locality.
MIDDLE-GROUND SHOAL
A shoal formed by ebb and flood tides in the middle of the channel of the LAGOON or estuary end of an inlet.
MINERAL
A naturally occurring, inorganic, crystalline solid that has a definite chemical composition and possesses
characteristic physical properties.
Appendix A Glossary of Coastal Terminology
A-49
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