physical factors - ocean currents

Question 1

how does ocean currents affect coasts?

Answer 1

they affect climate = affects weathering processes in that location
eg. cold climate = freeze thaw weathering
warm climate = chemical weathering

Question 2

what are global patterns of ocean currents?

Answer 2

generated by the earth’s rotation + currents are set in motion by the wind
- warm ocean currents transfer heat from low latitudes to high latitudes + vice versa

Question 3

what are rip currents?

Answer 3

when 2 backwash combine creating an extra strong backwash pull on the sediment - forming triangular cusps

Question 4

what is upwelling?

Answer 4

the global pattern of currents circulating in the ocean can cause deep, cold water to move towards the surface displacing warmer surface water

Question 5

what are longshore currents?

Answer 5

when waves approach the shoreline at an angle this creates a current of water running parallel to the shoreline