Lagging tide
Period in which the amplitude reduces.
Latitude
Angle between the direction of the vertical of the position and the equatorial plane.
Least squares
Calculation method making it possible to obtain an optimum estimate of a deterministic signal in the presence of noise.
Legendre polynomials
Orthogonal polynomials. The generating potential is expressed in the form of a series of Legendre polynomials.
LEGOS
Laboratoire d'Études en Géophysique et Océanographie Spatiales (Space geophysics and oceanography studies laboratory).
Literal argument
Argument number in which the figures have been replaced by letters.
Littoral circulation
Resultant of the backrush current (gradient current) and the drift current near to the coast.
Longitude
Angle between the meridian half-plane of the position and the origin meridian (the Greenwich meridian).
Low water
The lowest level reached by the sea during a tidal cycle.
Luminous probe
Graduated tape, generally made from metal, equipped with a device indicating, by means of a light signal, when its end comes into contact with the surface of the water.
Lunar month
Also known as the synodic revolution, it is the time interval between two full moons and two new moons.