Ocean Circulation

Question 1

Surface Currents

Answer 1

Wind-driven circulation

Question 2

Thermohaline Currents

Answer 2

Density driven circulation

Question 3

Tidal Currents

Answer 3

Gravity driven circulation

Question 4

Ekman Transport

Answer 4

Explains the net transport of water in surface currents (~90 degrees to the wind). It occurs in the top ten meters.

Question 5

Gyres

Answer 5

The spreading of water beneath the thin layer of Ekman transport. extending to a depth of 800-1000.

Question 6

Western Boundaries

Answer 6

Fast, deep, narrow, sharp edges

Question 7

Eastern Boundaries

Answer 7

Slow, shallow, broad, diffused boundaries

Question 8

Capillary waves

Answer 8

Wind-driven

Question 9

Wind waves

Answer 9

wind over ocean

Question 10

Tides

Answer 10

Gravity driven

Question 11

Semidiurnal tides (Moon)

Answer 11

Occur twice a day 2 high tides and 2 low tides nearly equal level

Question 12

Diurnal tides (Sun)

Answer 12

Occurs once a day 1 high tide and 1 low tide

Question 13

Mixed tides (moon and Son)

Answer 13

2 high tides and 2 low tides of unequal level

Question 14

Spring tides

Answer 14

Moon and son gravity ios additive causing the highest high tides and lowest lows. Approximately every 2 weeks

Question 15

Neap Tides

Answer 15

`Moon and Son’s gravity subtract from each other causing little to no change in tidal height.