Quiz 1 2019 Flashcards
How thick is the troposphere
10 km
Where on earth’s surface is there a net surplus of heat from the sun
Tropics
Where on earth’s surface is there a net deficit of heat from the sun
Poles
adding water vapor to air _____ its density
decreases
what is the approximate declination of the earth (aka angle of the poles relative to the plane of orbit around the sun)
23.4 degrees
At what depth in the water column is the SOFAR channel
1 km
As water pressure increases, sound travels
Faster in water
At a fixed pressure does sound move faster in colder or warmer water
faster in warmer water
The latent heat of ice melting is ___ the latent hear of water evaporating
smaller than
wind stress is proportional to wind speed to the power a:Stress ~ (WindSpeed)^a the value of a is—
2
Define wind stress
vertical transfer of horizontal momentum from the atmosphere into the ocean units (Nm^-2)
Define the atmospheric Boundary Layer
it is the boundary (transition) layer is defined as the lowest part of the troposphere, that is directly influenced by the presence of earth’s surface. Over the ocean, it is influenced by the turbulent drag of the wind on the sea and the fluxes of heat and water molecules. its thickness (Zi) varies from 10s of m (when weak winds blow over water colder than the overlaying air) to 1000m (When stronger winds blowing over water warmer than the overlaying air).
Define the Equilibrium Layer
aka the surface layer. is the lowest part of the atmospheric boundary layer, closest to the ocean surface within this layer, of thickness ~ 0.1 Zi, vertical fluxes of heat and momentum are nearly constant.
what are the worlds 5 western boundary currents
Kuroshio, Gulf stream, Agulhas, East Australian, Brazil
What are the 6 eastern boundary currents
Peru/chile, Benguela, Canary, Labrador, California, Oyashio
Define heat capacity- provide values for water and air
the amount of heat energy that a substance can absorbs, given a standardized mass and resulting increase in temperature. water has the highest heat capacity on earth-
water 4200 Jkg^-1 K^-1
air is 993 Jkg^-1 K^-1
Where are the polar easterlies?
60-90 degrees
where are the prevailing westerlies
30-60
where are the tropical easterlies
0-30
where is the ITCZ
the equator- little to no wind movement here
what occurs at 30 N and 30 S
a subtropical High
What occurs at 60N and 60S
a subpolar low
where are ferrel cells found
30-60
where are polar cells found
60-90
where are hadley cells found
0-30
Describe the H-O bond within a water molecule
The hydrogen bonds (between H and O atoms in different water molecules),
can link up to four adjacent water molecules. These intermolecular forces
lead to three key water properties: high latent heat, high heat capacity, and
high stickiness (viscosity). It also leads to the high surface tension, which
allows water striders to walk on water.
Describe the H-O bond between water molecules
it can form hydrogen bonds between different molecules. these intermolecular forces allow for three key characteristics- high latent heat, high heat capacity, and high stickiness (Viscosity). it also leads to high surface tension
