Winds & Rotation Flashcards
What does the symbol 𝜎 represent?
The symbol 𝜎 represents density anomaly.
What is the unit for density?
The unit for density is kg/m³.
What does wind affect in ocean circulation?
Wind affects surface winds and ocean currents.
What are the two main factors driving global wind patterns?
The two main factors are uneven solar heating and Earth’s rotation.
What is gyre circulation?
Gyre circulation refers to the large-scale movement of winds and ocean currents.
What phenomenon does “Ekman Transport” relate to?
Ekman Transport relates to the net transport of water induced by wind motion.
What is the height range of the troposphere?
The height of the troposphere varies from 7 to 20 km.
What percentage of the atmospheric mass is in the troposphere?
Approximately 75% of the atmospheric mass is in the troposphere.
What does uneven solar heating affect?
Uneven solar heating affects wind patterns and atmospheric circulation.
Which hemisphere does the Coriolis force deflect motion to the right?
The Coriolis force deflects motion to the right in the Northern Hemisphere.
What are the major boundaries of circulation cells?
areas of high pressure and low pressure.
How do western boundary currents compare to eastern boundary currents?
Western boundary currents are faster, deeper, and narrower than eastern boundary currents.
How does the Coriolis force affect wind patterns?
The Coriolis force causes deflection of wind motion due to Earth’s rotation.
What is Langmuir circulation?
complex 3-dimensional circulation caused by steady winds, creating streaks parallel to the wind.
What is the effect of strong wind events on temperature stratification?
Strong wind events relate to turbulent mixing and temperature variability in the ocean.
What is the function of the Ekman spiral?
describes how flow turns clockwise as depth decreases due to wind stress.
How does land temperature vary compared to sea surface temperature?
Land temperature varies with season, whereas sea surface temperature remains nearly constant year-round.
What does high pressure and low pressure indicate about wind flow?
High pressure indicates descending air, while low pressure indicates ascending air, causing air movement.
What type of scale is affected by wind and ocean dynamics?
Both spatial and timescale are affected by wind and ocean dynamics.
What role does Earth’s rotation play in global wind patterns?
Earth’s rotation contributes to the deflection of winds and creates distinct wind patterns.
What occurs in the alternating zones of Langmuir circulation?
zones of convergence (downwelling) and divergence (upwelling)
What does a high-density substance correlate with in the ocean?
A high-density substance correlates with higher pressure in ocean water.
How does wind influence ocean waves?
Wind acts as a significant driver of wave formation and energy transfer in the ocean.
What does the net transport in Ekman transport reveal?
It reveals the direction and magnitude of water movement induced by wind.
How do atmospheric pressures relate to wind?
Differences in atmospheric pressures drive air movement, resulting in wind.
Which layer is primarily responsible for weather phenomena?
The troposphere is primarily responsible for weather phenomena.
What is a major factor causing seasonal variation in wind patterns?
The seasonal variation in land and sea temperatures is a major factor.
How does the experience of moving westward in a gyre differ from moving eastward?
Moving westward in a gyre is associated with faster, narrower currents compared to moving eastward.
What are the primary causes of oceanic surface currents?
Oceanic surface currents are primarily driven by large-scale, global surface wind patterns.
What is a major implication of uneven solar radiation on Earth?
It results in variable heat distribution, affecting weather and climate patterns.
In testing the effect of wind on ocean currents, what framework is useful?
The six-cell model serves as a good approximation for understanding wind patterns.
How does turbulence in the ocean relate to wind?
Turbulent mixing is significantly influenced by wind-driven currents in the ocean.
Which phenomenon does the term “monsoon” typically describe?
The term “monsoon” typically describes seasonal wind patterns that affect precipitation in low-latitude regions.
What visual representation aids in understanding ocean currents and circulation?
Global, time-averaged topography of the ocean provides insight into currents and circulation.
What does pressure gradient indicate in relation to wind?
The pressure gradient indicates the force that drives wind from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas.
How do alternating currents in Langmuir circulation affect the ocean?
They create zones of downwelling and upwelling, influencing nutrient distribution and marine life.
