windrow

views updated May 14 2018

windrow A streak of foam or row of floating debris, aligned in the prevailing wind direction, formed on the surface of a lake or ocean. Where winds blow across a water surface, vertical circulation cells are set up in near-surface waters. These circulation cells are alternately right- and left-handed vortices, and windrows form along the lines of convergence between adjacent cells at the water surface.

windrow

views updated May 08 2018

windrow Streak of foam or row of floating debris, aligned in the prevailing wind direction, formed on the surface of a lake or ocean. Where winds blow across a water surface, vertical circulation cells are set up in near-surface waters. These circulation cells are alternately right- and left-handed vortices, and windrows form along the lines of convergence between adjacent cells at the water surface.