Ocean curretns and sea currents Flashcards
1
Q
what is the thermocline circulation?
A
Sea currents are driven by density differences of water cause by temp and salt differences
2
Q
Does warm or cold water have a higher density?
A
Cold water which causes it to sink
3
Q
Does salt or fresh water have a higher density?
A
Salt so it sinks
4
Q
Explain ocean current pattern:
A
-seawater warms at equator
-flows towards the north pole
-along the way ocean currents emits lots of heat which warms the atmosphere, cooling the water, water also evaporates so salt is left behind
-this causes density of water to increase so water sinks causing ocean circulation (ocean conveyer belt)
5
Q
What is a gyre?
A
circular ocean current
6
Q
How are gyres formed?
A
By trade winds