Atmospheric and Oceanic currents

Question 1

Wind

Answer 1

The movement of air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure

Question 2

Convection

Answer 2

The circulation of particles within a material caused by differences in thermal energy and density

Question 3

Polar Easterlies

Answer 3

Cold winds that blow east to the west near the North Pole and the South Pole

Question 4

Prevailing Westerlies

Answer 4

Steady winds that flow west to east between latitudes 30°N and 60°N, and 30°S and 60°S

Question 5

Trade Winds

Answer 5

Steady winds that flow east to west between 30°N and 30°S

Question 6

Coriolis Effect

Answer 6

The movement of wind and water to the right or left that is caused by the earths rotation

Question 7

Density current

Answer 7

The vertical movement of water caused by differences in density

Question 8

Surface current

Answer 8

A wind-driven current that carries water horizontally across the ocean’s surface

Question 9

Upwelling

Answer 9

The vertical movement of water toward the oceans surface

Question 10

TRUE OR FALSE: Differences in air pressure cause air to flow

Answer 10

True

Question 11

When do sea breezes occur

Answer 11

Daytime

Question 12

What is a sea breeze

Answer 12

A breeze during the day that happens when the area over land is warmer and therefore rises and creates an area of low pressure. The air above the sea is cooler and is lower than the warmer air creating an area of high pressure. The cool air moves from the area of high pressure to the area of low pressure creating a sea breeze. Once over the land the cooler air is warmed, and oppositely once over the water, the warmer air is cooled. This causes the cycle to continue.

Question 13

When do land breezes occur

Answer 13

Night

Question 14

What are land breezes

Answer 14

The air over the sea is now warmer than the air over the land. This means this air rises and creates an area of low pressure. The air above the land is cooler so it sinks and creates an area of high pressure. The cooler air moves from the area of high pressure to the area of low pressure creating a land breeze. Once over the land the warmer air is cooled and oppositely once over the water, the cooler air is warmed. This causes the cycle to continue.

Question 15

What causes density

Answer 15

When water has minerals dissolved in it, such as salt, it is more dense than freshwater. Additionally the colder the water is the more dense it is. This impacts the ocean currents. Surface waters are warmed by the sun. Deeper waters are typically colder and saltier.