Energy and wind
What is the primary source of energy that powers the winds that push surface currents
The sun
Does Earth's rotation happen faster at the poles, or at the equator?
What is the equator?
Main thing that drives surface currents
What is wind?
Because the earth is a sphere, the sun heats the planet like this, making the equator much hotter than the poles
What is uneven heating?
This term describes the way continents act like "walls" that redirect ocean currents.
What is continental deflection?
This type of air is less dense and rises at the Equator, which cause global winds
what is warm air?
This is the name for the curving of moving water and air caused by the Earth’s rotation.
What is the Coriolis effect?
Wind is created when air moves away from area of high pressure and travels toward an area of this
what is low pressure?
These are the large, circular loops of water formed when winds, the Coriolis effect, and landmasses all work together.
What are gyres?
This landmass, when a surface current encounters it, it causes the current to split up into different direction creating major gyres
what is north america
This interaction between wind and the ocean's surface causes a phenomenon called the Ekman transport
what is Coriolis effect combining with wind?
This process occurs when surface water is heated by the sun and rises, causing cooler, deeper water to rise and replace it, which can alter surface currents and nutrient cycling.
what is upwelling
This is the circular transfer of heat in the atmosphere where warm air rises and cool air sinks, fueling the winds that drag the ocean water.
What is convection?
This ocean feature, created by wind patterns, causes the water to move in a spiral-like motion, with the deepest part of the current moving in the opposite direction of the surface current.
what is the ekman spiral