EM 1110-2-1100 (Change 1)
31 Jul 03
SOLITARY WAVE
A wave consisting of a single elevation (above the original water surface), whose height is not necessarily small
compared to the depth, and neither followed nor preceded by another elevation or depression of the water surfaces.
SORTING
Process of selection and separation of sediment grains according to their grain size (or grain shape or specific
gravity).
SORTING COEFFICIENT
A coefficient used in describing the distribution of grain sizes in a sample of unconsolidated material. It is defined
as So = Q1/Q3 , where Q1 is the diameter (in millimeters) which has 75 percent of the cumulative size-frequency (by
weight) distribution smaller than itself and 25 percent larger than itself, and Q3 is that diameter having 25 percent smaller and
75 percent larger than itself.
SOUND
(1) (noun) a relatively long arm of the sea or ocean forming a channel between an island and a mainland or
connecting two larger bodies, as a sea and the ocean, or two parts of the same body; usually wider and more extensive than a
STRAIT (e.g., Long Island Sound). (2) (verb) To measure the depth of the water.
SOUNDING
A measured depth of water. On hydrographic CHARTS the soundings are adjusted to a specific plane of reference
(SOUNDING DATUM).
SOUNDING DATUM
The plane to which soundings are referred. See also CHART DATUM.
SOUNDING LINE
A line, wire, or cord used in sounding, which is weighted at one end with a plummet (sounding lead). Also LEAD
LINE.
SPECIFIC GRAVITY
The ratio of the weight of unit volume of any material to the weight of unit volume of water at 4E C, Gs = γs/γw.
Typical values of Gs for soil solids are 2.65 to 2.72.
SPILLING BREAKER
See BREAKER.
SPILLOVER LOBE
Linguoid, bar-like feature formed by ebb tidal current flow over a low area of an ebb shield.
SPILLWAY
A structure over or through a dam for discharging flood flows.
SPIT
A small point of land or a narrow shoal projecting into a body of water from the shore. (See Figure IV-1-6.)
SPOIL
Overburden or other waste material removed in mining, dredging, and quarrying.
SPOIL BANK
Artificial formation created by the deposit of dredged materials on the seabed.
A-74
Appendix A Glossary of Coastal Terminology
Previous Page
