19-20: Major Ocean Currents; The Gulf Stream

Question 1

The Gulf Stream

Answer 1

• Surface velocities can reach up to 5 knots
• Year-to-year variability in Gulf Stream transport near Florida
  
  • Greater transport in summer

Question 2

Characteristics of the East side of gyres

Answer 2

• Broad
• Weak
• Shallow flow

Question 3

California Current System

Answer 3

• Countercurrent on the landward side
• Northward flow is called the California Undercurrent
  
  • ​Developed by:
    
    • Winds
    • Pressure gradients
    • Bathymetry
    • Coastline Slope

Question 4

Equatorial Currents

Answer 4

Major currents of the tropics are coutnerparts of the trade-wind system

Intertropical Convergence Zone (ICTZ): Separates wind systems and is characterized by weak and variable winds

Trade-winds force the North and South Equatorial Currents