Winds & Rotation

Question 1

What does the symbol 𝜎 represent?

Answer 1

The symbol 𝜎 represents density anomaly.

Question 2

What is the unit for density?

Answer 2

The unit for density is kg/m³.

Question 3

What does wind affect in ocean circulation?

Answer 3

Wind affects surface winds and ocean currents.

Question 4

What are the two main factors driving global wind patterns?

Answer 4

The two main factors are uneven solar heating and Earth’s rotation.

Question 5

What is gyre circulation?

Answer 5

Gyre circulation refers to the large-scale movement of winds and ocean currents.

Question 6

What phenomenon does “Ekman Transport” relate to?

Answer 6

Ekman Transport relates to the net transport of water induced by wind motion.

Question 7

What is the height range of the troposphere?

Answer 7

The height of the troposphere varies from 7 to 20 km.

Question 8

What percentage of the atmospheric mass is in the troposphere?

Answer 8

Approximately 75% of the atmospheric mass is in the troposphere.

Question 9

What does uneven solar heating affect?

Answer 9

Uneven solar heating affects wind patterns and atmospheric circulation.

Question 10

Which hemisphere does the Coriolis force deflect motion to the right?

Answer 10

The Coriolis force deflects motion to the right in the Northern Hemisphere.

Question 11

What are the major boundaries of circulation cells?

Answer 11

areas of high pressure and low pressure.

Question 12

How do western boundary currents compare to eastern boundary currents?

Answer 12

Western boundary currents are faster, deeper, and narrower than eastern boundary currents.

Question 13

How does the Coriolis force affect wind patterns?

Answer 13

The Coriolis force causes deflection of wind motion due to Earth’s rotation.

Question 14

What is Langmuir circulation?

Answer 14

complex 3-dimensional circulation caused by steady winds, creating streaks parallel to the wind.

Question 15

What is the effect of strong wind events on temperature stratification?

Answer 15

Strong wind events relate to turbulent mixing and temperature variability in the ocean.

Question 16

What is the function of the Ekman spiral?

Answer 16

describes how flow turns clockwise as depth decreases due to wind stress.

Question 17

How does land temperature vary compared to sea surface temperature?

Answer 17

Land temperature varies with season, whereas sea surface temperature remains nearly constant year-round.

Question 18

What does high pressure and low pressure indicate about wind flow?

Answer 18

High pressure indicates descending air, while low pressure indicates ascending air, causing air movement.

Question 19

What type of scale is affected by wind and ocean dynamics?

Answer 19

Both spatial and timescale are affected by wind and ocean dynamics.

Question 20

What role does Earth’s rotation play in global wind patterns?

Answer 20

Earth’s rotation contributes to the deflection of winds and creates distinct wind patterns.

Question 21

What occurs in the alternating zones of Langmuir circulation?

Answer 21

zones of convergence (downwelling) and divergence (upwelling)

Question 22

What does a high-density substance correlate with in the ocean?

Answer 22

A high-density substance correlates with higher pressure in ocean water.

Question 23

How does wind influence ocean waves?

Answer 23

Wind acts as a significant driver of wave formation and energy transfer in the ocean.

Question 24

What does the net transport in Ekman transport reveal?

Answer 24

It reveals the direction and magnitude of water movement induced by wind.

Question 25

How do atmospheric pressures relate to wind?

Answer 25

Differences in atmospheric pressures drive air movement, resulting in wind.

Question 26

Which layer is primarily responsible for weather phenomena?

Answer 26

The troposphere is primarily responsible for weather phenomena.

Question 27

What is a major factor causing seasonal variation in wind patterns?

Answer 27

The seasonal variation in land and sea temperatures is a major factor.

Question 28

How does the experience of moving westward in a gyre differ from moving eastward?

Answer 28

Moving westward in a gyre is associated with faster, narrower currents compared to moving eastward.

Question 29

What are the primary causes of oceanic surface currents?

Answer 29

Oceanic surface currents are primarily driven by large-scale, global surface wind patterns.

Question 30

What is a major implication of uneven solar radiation on Earth?

Answer 30

It results in variable heat distribution, affecting weather and climate patterns.

Question 31

In testing the effect of wind on ocean currents, what framework is useful?

Answer 31

The six-cell model serves as a good approximation for understanding wind patterns.

Question 32

How does turbulence in the ocean relate to wind?

Answer 32

Turbulent mixing is significantly influenced by wind-driven currents in the ocean.

Question 33

Which phenomenon does the term “monsoon” typically describe?

Answer 33

The term “monsoon” typically describes seasonal wind patterns that affect precipitation in low-latitude regions.

Question 34

What visual representation aids in understanding ocean currents and circulation?

Answer 34

Global, time-averaged topography of the ocean provides insight into currents and circulation.

Question 35

What does pressure gradient indicate in relation to wind?

Answer 35

The pressure gradient indicates the force that drives wind from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas.

Question 36

How do alternating currents in Langmuir circulation affect the ocean?

Answer 36

They create zones of downwelling and upwelling, influencing nutrient distribution and marine life.