ocean Currents Flashcards
What causes surface currents
Easterlies push currents west at the equator
Currents hit a landmass they are forced towards the poles
The cooler water hits another landmass+is forced back to the equator
Northern hemisphere( shape of surface currents)
The overall surface flow is clockwise
Southern hemisphere( shape surface currents)
Counterclockwise
Why are surface flows important
Redistributes heat energy
Help warm up poles
Help cool equatorial regions
What causes the great conveyer belt
( 2 characteristics of water at the poles)
At the poles water is cold+ salty
This causes the water to be dense so it sinks
Why is the great conveyer belt important
The GOC upwells along the continental shelves
Brings nutrients to the surface( photic zone)
Nutrients cause phytoplankton to grow
Trade winds
0-30- location
Direction- south west
Significance- sailors use these for trade
Westerlies
Located-30-60
Direction-North east
Significance- dominant wind on Vancouver island
Polar easterlies
Located-90-60
Direction-South west
Significance- bring cold air masses which cause freezing winter storms
Why does the earth receive more direct energy at lower latitudes than higher
Sun strikes the equator at a direct angle at the equator. It’s concentrated in a smaller area.
2 principles that cause air to move on earth
Warm air near the earth surface RISES
Air cools off in upper atmosphere SINKS
What ecosystem service do the surface currents provide
Thermal energy( heat) Carrie’s heat from equator to poles
What provides the energy to push the surface currents
Westward blowing winds( driven by solar energy)
