| Section S | S index | 1291-1299 of 1376 terms |
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surface integralIn rectangular Cartesian coordinates, the integral  where f(x, y, z) is a single-valued continuous function of x, y and z in a region in which S is a surface given by z = φ(x, y), and R is the projection of S on the xy-plane. Similar surface integrals exist over surfaces x = φ(y, z) and y = φ(z, x). In vector notation the surface integral of a single-valued continuous vector F over the surface s can be written  where n is an outward directed unit vector normal to the surface. The surface integral for a closed surface may be related to a volume integral by the divergence theorem. See line integral.
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surface inversion(Or ground inversion.) A temperature inversion based at the earth's surface; that is, an increase of temperature with height beginning at the ground level. This condition is due primarily to greater radiative loss of heat at and near the surface than at levels above. Thus, surface inversions are common over land prior to sunrise and in winter over high-latitude continental interiors.
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surface of constant phaseIf a solution to any wave equation has a time-harmonic (sinusoidal) solution (exact or approximate) of the form  where the amplitude A and phase φ are functions of position, the equation  defines a surface of constant phase. If A is a scalar, the equation  defines a surface of constant amplitude.
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surface ozoneRefers to the presence of ozone at the earth's surface. The term is also used in reference to the episodic observation of near total ozone depletion that occurs in certain regions of the arctic marine boundary layer in springtime. This ozone depletion (not to be confused with the stratospheric polar ozone hole) likely occurs as the result of bromine- and chlorine-catalyzed chemistry. The sources of the halogens are not well understood, but it is likely that they emanate from sea salt. See photochemical air pollution.
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