THE SUN & ENERGY
What is the major source of energy driving Earth's surface systems?
The Sun.
What does temperature tell us?
How hot or cold something is.
What is an ocean current?
A large-scale movement of ocean water in a particular direction.
What is an atmospheric current?
A large-scale movement of air.
What force caused by Earth's rotation makes moving air and water appear to curve?
The Coriolis effect.
Why is the equator generally warmer than the poles?
The equator receives more direct sunlight and more solar energy.
What is thermal energy?
Energy associated with the motion of particles in matter.
What is the Gulf Stream?
A major warm ocean current in the Atlantic Ocean.
What is the jet stream?
A narrow band of fast-moving air high in the atmosphere.
What generally happens to moving air and water in the Northern Hemisphere because of the Coriolis effect?
They are deflected generally to the right.
What happens to sunlight near the poles?
It strikes at a lower angle and the energy is spread over a larger area.
In which direction does thermal energy generally transfer?
From warmer areas toward cooler areas.
What does the Gulf Stream transport from lower latitudes toward higher latitudes?
Thermal energy (heat).
What can the jet stream influence?
Weather systems, storm movement, temperature patterns, and air-mass movement.
What generally happens in the Southern Hemisphere?
They are deflected generally to the left.
Name two processes or systems that are driven by energy from the Sun.
Examples: wind, ocean currents, evaporation, weather, climate, or the water cycle.
What are the three methods of thermal energy transfer?
Radiation, conduction, and convection.
What are the two major types of ocean currents discussed in the notes?
Surface currents and deep ocean currents.
Is the jet stream an ocean current or an atmospheric current?
An atmospheric current.
How does salinity affect ocean water?
More dissolved salt generally makes seawater denser.
Complete the sequence:
Sun → ______ → Air & Water Movement → Currents → Weather & Climate
Thermal energy.
What is convection?
The transfer of thermal energy through the movement of a fluid, such as air or water.
What three factors strongly influence deep ocean currents?
Temperature, salinity, and density.
Why can the jet stream be compared to a "fast-moving river of air"?
Because it is a fast-moving band of air that helps guide weather systems across large areas.
Name five factors that can affect ocean currents.
Wind, temperature, density, salinity, Earth's rotation, ocean-floor features, and continents.