Questions and Answers
What are the two primary reasons for the uneven heating of the Earth?
The Earth's tilt and specific heat of land and water
Which of the global winds governs North America?
North Westerlies
What two factors cause global wind?
Differential heating of Earth and the Coriolis Effect
What is the relationship between the direction of the global winds and the direction of the ocean currents formed by these winds?
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What are the three factors that affect the direction of ocean surface currents?
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Where/what are the Horse Latitudes?
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What weather/wind characterizes the horse latitudes?
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How did Horse Latitudes get their name?
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Where/what are the doldrums?
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What weather/wind characterizes the doldrums?
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What does the word doldrums mean?
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In which direction do ocean currents under the Trade Winds flow?
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In which direction do ocean currents under the Prevailing Westerlies flow?
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How do the shape and location of continents affect surface currents?
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In what climate zone is the angle of insolation the highest?
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In what climate zone is the angle of insolation the lowest?
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Global winds are caused by the uneven heating of earth's surface and the Coriolis.
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Global winds are influenced by bands of alternating high and low pressure that are associated with lines of longitude.
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List the global winds from north to south.
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Warm water currents flow from the _____ to the _____ on the _____ side of the ocean basins and the _____ side of continents.
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Cold water currents flow from the _____ to the _____ on the _____ side of the ocean basins and the _____ side of continents.
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What currents are caused by differences in temperature, density and pressure that are important in the formation of both wind and ocean currents?
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What is an ocean gyre and why do they form?
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Discuss the major significant issue facing today's ocean gyres.
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Study Notes
Uneven Heating of the Earth
- Primary reasons for uneven heating: the Earth's axial tilt and the specific heat differences between land and water.
Global Winds
- North Westerlies primarily govern North America.
- Global wind patterns result from differential heating of the Earth and the Coriolis Effect.
Ocean Currents and Global Winds
- Global winds drive surface ocean currents, which are deflected by the winds.
- Example: The North Atlantic Drift is deflected toward London instead of St. John's due to the westerlies.
- Example: The Peru current is influenced by southeast trade winds and is deflected to the left.
Factors Affecting Ocean Currents
- Direction of ocean surface currents is affected by global winds, the Coriolis Effect, and continental deflections.
Horse Latitudes
- Located at 30 degrees north and south; characterized by calm air and sea.
- Calm winds with minimal precipitation are typical in this region.
- Named due to Spanish sailors throwing horses overboard during long periods of calm.
Doldrums
- Doldrums are found at the equator, an area with calm winds, sudden storms, and unpredictable weather.
- Characterized by calm air, light winds, and thunderstorms; no Coriolis effect present.
Terminology
- "Doldrums" refers to a state or period of inactivity or stagnation.
Ocean Current Directions
- Trade Winds drive ocean currents westward.
- Prevailing Westerlies influence ocean currents to flow eastward.
Impact of Continents on Currents
- Continents act as barriers, redirecting currents to flow against their initial path.
Insolation Angles
- Tropics have the highest angle of insolation.
- Polar regions have the lowest angle of insolation.
True/False Statements
- Global winds are caused by uneven heating and the Coriolis Effect: True.
- Global winds are influenced by high and low pressure bands: True.
Global Winds Overview
- From north to south: North Easterlies, North Westerlies, Northeast Trade Winds, Southeast Trade Winds, South Westerlies, South Easterlies.
Ocean Currents Gradient
- Warm water currents flow from the equator to the poles on the west side of ocean basins and the right side of continents.
- Cold water currents flow from the poles to the equator on the east side of ocean basins and the left side of continents.
Convection Currents
- Differences in temperature, density, and pressure contribute to the formation of both wind and ocean currents.
Ocean Gyres
- Ocean gyres are large circular current systems formed by global wind patterns and Earth's rotation.
- In the Northern Hemisphere, currents deflect right (clockwise); in the Southern Hemisphere, they deflect left (counterclockwise).
Environmental Issues
- Major issue facing ocean gyres: pollution from garbage, affecting marine life and ecosystems.
- Example: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a significant accumulation of trash in the North Pacific Ocean.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge on ocean currents and global winds with these flashcards. Each card focuses on key concepts such as uneven heating, governing winds, and the factors that influence wind patterns. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of atmospheric and oceanic interactions.
