Currents and Climate Flashcards
A _______ is a large stream of moving water that flows through the ocean.
current
Unlike waves, currents _______ from one place to another.
carry water
Where do currents move water?
At the surface of the ocean and deep in the ocean
Surface currents, which affect water to a depth of several hundred meters, are driven mainly by _______.
winds
What are the patterns of the surface currents?
circular
What direction to surface currents move?
east or west, then double back to complete the circle
Why do currents move in a curved pattern?
because of the rotation of the Earth
The effects of the Earth’s rotation on the direction of winds and currents is called the _______.
Coriolis Effect
What direction are the winds curved in the Northern Hemisphere?
right
What direction are the winds curved in the Southern Hemisphere?
left
The larges and most powerful surface current in North Atlantic Ocean is the _______.
Gulf Stream
What causes the Gulf Stream?
Strong winds from the west
Currents affect _______ by moving cold water around the globe.
climate
Climate is the pattern of _______ and _______ typical of an area over a long period of time.
temperature / precipitation
In general, _______ carry warm water from the tropics toward the poles and bring cold water back to the _______.
currents / equator
A surface current warms or cools the air above it, influencing the _______ of the land near the coast.
climate
_______ currents cause mild,rainy weather.
Kuroshio
What types of weather do cold water currents cause?
cool & dry
When changes in wind _______and currents occur, they can have a major impact on the ocean and neighboring land.
pattern
_______ is an abnormal climate event.
El Nino
How often does El Nino occur?
every 2-7 years
In El Nino, an unusual pattern of winds forms over the _______.
Pacific Ocean
A vast sheet of warm water moves _______ toward the South American coast.
eastward
What are the effects of El Nino?
heavy rains, flooding mudslides, warm winters and tornadoes.
