SOLAR ENERGY
This region of Earth receives the most direct solar radiation year‑round.
What are the Tropics?
This force causes moving air and water to curve instead of traveling straight.
What is the Coriolis Effect?
The primary force that causes surface ocean currents.
What is wind?
When cold, salty water sinks in the ocean, this process is happening.
What is downwelling?
This wind system shifting causes ENSO events.
What are the trade winds?
This factor affects how concentrated solar energy is at Earth’s surface.
What is the angle of the Sun’s rays?
The Coriolis Effect is caused by this
What is Earth’s rotation?
A large circular system of ocean currents.
What is a gyre?
When deep, cold, nutrient‑rich water rises to the surface, this process is happening.
What is upwelling?
During this ENSO phase, Pacific Ocean waters are warmer than normal.
What is El Niño?
Name one factor that affects insolation at Earth’s surface.
What is latitude / time of day / albedo?
In which location is the Coriolis Effect weakest?
What is the equator?
How do continents affect ocean currents?
What is they block and redirect them?
What happens to salinity and density when sea ice forms at the poles?
What is salinity increases and density increases?
During this ENSO phase, Atlantic hurricanes increase.
What is La Niña?
Air moves from this pressure to this pressure.
What is high to low?
Name one major global wind belt.
What are the trade winds / prevailing westerlies / polar easterlies?
This current completely circles the globe.
What is the Western Wind Drift
This type of current forms when dense polar water sinks.
What is a deep (thermohaline) current?
Name one tool scientists use to track ENSO and the data it collects.
What are buoys or satellites that measure sea surface temperature, air pressure, or wind?