Physical oceanography Flashcards
Define physical oceanography.
how the ocean moves and the effects of that it causes on the earth
What is the function of exogenous and endogenous properties?
exogenous and endogenous properties control most all physical and biological properties on earth
Exogenous heat come from..
exogenous heat is heat from the sun
Endogenous heat comes from…
endogenous heat is heat from the earth
List some effects of exogenous heat?
- photosynthesis
- hydrologic cycle
- wind
- wave
- current
List some effects of endogenous heat.
- earthquakes
- volcanoes
waves->wind->air pressure->___->___
air pressure–>temperature–>sun
The air-sea interchange is an example of what exchange?
the air-sea interchange is an example of exchange between matter and energy
What system is used to predict future climate change?
the GCM grid system
What drives the earth air and ocean circulation?
differences in solar radiation
The high latitude areas would not be habitable if not for what?
if not for the air and surface circulation
The prosperity of Nothern and Western Europe depends on what?
the surface ocean circulation
The world climate depends on what?
depends on ocean surface circulation
Define the Coriolis Effect.
the rightward deviation of air, airplanes, other stuff from their intended path due to the speed of the earths rotation and differential speed
What are the driving forces behind wind and ocean circulation?
- air-pressure gradient
- friction
- Coriolis effect
What are the two component of velocity on a rotating object?
radial (linear) and rotational
Earth looks more like what at low latitudes?
earth looks more like a cylinder; appears to be moving fast at both parts
Earth looks more like what at high latitudes?
earth looks more like a rotating disc; moving fast on the outside and slow on the inside
List the main latitudes.
- equator
- tropic of cancer
- arctic circle
List the major low and high pressure zones.
- tropical low
- subtropical high
- sub-polar low
- polar high
