The Ocean And Its Circulation Flashcards
What is the purpose of the Dynamic Earth Dome Show’s visualization of wind and ocean circulation?
The visualization highlights global wind patterns and ocean currents using data from models such as MERRA (for winds) and ECCO-2 (for ocean currents), with the camera focusing on patterns like the Gulf Stream and Loop Current.
What is upwelling, and where does it typically occur?
Upwelling is a phenomenon where cold, nutrient-rich deep water is brought to the surface, usually occurring on west coasts when winds blow north to south or at the equator when trade winds converge.
How do the Coriolis Effect and Ekman transport influence ocean currents?
The Coriolis Effect causes water to move at an angle to the wind, influencing ocean currents. Ekman transport refers to surface water moving at 90 degrees to the wind, contributing to phenomena like upwelling and downwelling.
What are major ocean gyres, and how do they differ in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?
Ocean gyres are large systems of circulating currents. In the Northern Hemisphere, they move clockwise, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they move counterclockwise, influenced by the Coriolis Effect.
How does wind-driven upwelling affect coastal ecosystems?
Wind-driven upwelling brings nutrient-rich deep water to the surface, fostering phytoplankton growth and supporting coastal ecosystems with cooler, nutrient-dense waters.
What is the Coriolis Effect?
The Coriolis Effect is the deflection of moving objects, such as air or water currents, due to the Earth’s rotation. In the Northern Hemisphere, objects deflect to the right, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they deflect to the left.
Example sentence: The Coriolis Effect causes hurricanes in the Northern Hemisphere to rotate counterclockwise.
What are ocean currents, and why are they important?
Ocean currents are continuous, directed movements of seawater driven by factors like wind, salinity, and temperature differences. They regulate global climate, distribute nutrients, and transport heat across the planet.
Additional information: Ocean currents can impact marine life distribution and influence weather patterns.
What is Ekman transport?
Ekman transport is the movement of surface water at a 90-degree angle to the direction of the wind, influenced by the Coriolis Effect. It plays a key role in upwelling and downwelling.
Example sentence: Ekman transport is responsible for the movement of nutrients in the ocean.
What is upwelling, and how does it affect marine ecosystems?
Upwelling is the process by which deep, cold, and nutrient-rich water rises to the surface. It promotes biological productivity by supplying nutrients that support plankton growth, which forms the base of marine food chains.
Additional information: Upwelling areas are known for their high biodiversity due to the abundance of nutrients.
How do wind patterns influence ocean currents?
Wind patterns, particularly the trade winds and westerlies, drive surface ocean currents. These currents are deflected by the Coriolis Effect, creating circular patterns called gyres that help regulate the climate and distribute heat.
Example sentence: The trade winds push warm water towards the western Pacific, leading to the formation of the Western Boundary Current.
What are the five major ocean gyres?
The five major ocean gyres are the North Atlantic Gyre, South Atlantic Gyre, North Pacific Gyre, South Pacific Gyre, and Indian Ocean Gyre. These circular current systems regulate oceanic movement and influence climate patterns.
Additional information: The North Atlantic Gyre is known for the presence of the Gulf Stream.
What is the Gulf Stream, and why is it significant?
The Gulf Stream is a powerful ocean current that flows from the Gulf of Mexico along the eastern U.S. coast and across the Atlantic Ocean. It transports warm water and influences the climate of the North Atlantic, particularly Europe.
Example sentence: The Gulf Stream helps maintain mild temperatures in Western Europe.
How does the Earth’s rotation affect atmospheric and oceanic circulation?
The Earth’s rotation causes winds and ocean currents to deflect in predictable patterns, known as the Coriolis Effect. This influences global climate by driving weather systems and ocean currents.
Additional information: The Coriolis Effect also affects the direction of aircraft flight paths.
What is the pycnocline?
The pycnocline is a layer in the ocean where there is a rapid change in water density with depth, usually due to variations in temperature or salinity. It acts as a barrier to vertical water movement.
Example sentence: The pycnocline separates the surface layer from the deep ocean in terms of water density.
What role does the sun play in ocean circulation?
The sun drives ocean circulation by heating the Earth’s surface unevenly, creating wind patterns and temperature differences. These factors initiate the movement of ocean currents, distributing heat globally.
Additional information: Solar radiation is a key driver of the Earth’s climate system.
