Wind, Waves, & Currents
What causes wind?
Uneven heating of Earth’s surface
What causes tides?
Moon's gravitational pull
When the moon is fully lit up it is called a...
Full Moon
What causes Earth to experience seasons?
Earth is tilted on its axis.
Movement of water in a specific direction over long distances
Current
What causes most ocean waves?
Wind
How many high tides occur daily?
Two
What happens during a solar eclipse?
The Moon moves between the Sun and Earth and blocks the sun's light from reaching Earth. This causes the moon's shadow to move across the Earth.
What is Earth's tilt?
23.5 degrees.
Transfer of heat by movement of fluids
Convection
What causes deep ocean currents?
Differences in temperature and salinity (density differences)
When the tidal range is at its largest it is called...
Spring Tide
Why do moon phases occur?
Because the moon orbits Earth and we see the lit up half at different angles. This creates the appearance of different shapes in the sky.
Why are days longer in the summer?
Because we are tilted toward the sun in the summer.
The amount of matter in a certain space; how “heavy” something is for its size
Density
How does Earth’s rotation affect surface currents?
It causes them to curve instead of moving in a straight line
When the tidal range is at its lowest it is called...
Neap Tide
Why don't we have eclipses every month?
Because the Moon's orbit is tilted.
What is the term for when there are equal amounts of day and night hours?
Equinox
The amount of salt in ocean water
Salinity
Why is convection important in both the atmosphere and the ocean?
It transfers heat and energy, causing movement in both air and water
In what two lunar phases will a Spring Tide occur?
New Moon and Full Moon
What is the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse? (include the phases they occur)
Solar: Moon blocks Sun during New Moon phase; Lunar: Earth blocks sunlight from reaching Moon during a Full Moon phase
Why do some places (United States) experience more drastic seasons than places such as the equator and poles?
Because the Earth is heated unevenly due to the tilt of the Earth on its axis.
The deflection of moving air and water due to Earth’s rotation
Coriolis Effect