Ocean Currents and Weather Patterns
16 Questions
0 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary driver of surface ocean currents?

  • The salinity of the ocean water
  • Temperature and salinity gradients
  • The rotation of the earth
  • The wind blowing across the surface of the ocean (correct)

    • What is the Coriolis effect responsible for in regards to weather patterns?

  • The rotation of the Earth on its axis
  • Global wind patterns
  • Weather moving from west to east (correct)
  • The uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the Sun

    • What is necessary for precipitation to occur?

  • Temperature
  • Condensation nuclei (correct)
  • Air pressure
  • Humidity

    • What are the two main factors that influence climate?

    <p>Temperature and humidity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most common way to cool air?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are examples of condensation nuclei?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the boundary between two air masses called?

    <p>Front</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do isobars represent on synoptic charts?

    <p>Lines of equal air pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do isobars represent on a synoptic chart?

    <p>Lines of equal pressure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between the spacing of isobars and pressure gradients?

    <p>Closer isobars indicate stronger pressure gradients</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a characteristic of ENSO?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the opposite phase of El Niño?

    <p>La Niña</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What serves as condensation nuclei in the process of cloud formation?

    <p>Aerosols</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the impact of El Niño on global weather patterns?

    <p>All of the above</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is associated with high pressure areas on a synoptic chart?

    <p>Clear skies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical frequency of El Niño events?

    <p>Every 5-7 years</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Ocean Currents and Weather Patterns

    • Ocean currents are primarily driven by the rotation of the earth.
    • Surface ocean currents are primarily driven by the wind blowing across the surface of the ocean.

    Weather Movement

    • Weather generally moves from west to east due to global wind patterns, earth's rotation, and the Coriolis effect.
    • The uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the Sun is not a primary reason for weather movement.

    Surface Currents

    • Surface currents are caused by wind, geographical orientation, and the Coriolis effect.

    High-Pressure Systems

    • Weather moves clockwise around a high-pressure system, bringing clear weather.

    Precipitation

    • Precipitation requires condensation nuclei, which can be tiny particles like dust, volcanic ash, or man-made pollutants.

    Climate

    • The two main factors affecting climate are temperature and humidity.

    Cooling Air

    • Air can be cooled by contact with a colder surface, rising air, or windward and leeward effects.

    Fronts

    • The boundary between air masses is called a front.

    ENSO (El Niño Southern Oscillation)

    • ENSO is characterized by fluctuations in temperature between the ocean and atmosphere, changes in sea level pressure, and shifts in rainfall distribution worldwide.

    Synoptic Charts

    • Isobars on synoptic charts represent lines of equal pressure, with closer isobars indicating stronger pressure gradients.

    Mitigating El Niño Impacts

    • Practical economic steps to mitigate the impacts of El Niño include implementing drought-resistant crop varieties, increasing water storage, and other measures.

    La Niña

    • La Niña is the opposite phase of El Niño.

    El Niño Impacts

    • El Niño has a significant impact on global weather patterns, including increased hurricane activity in the Atlantic, drier conditions in Australia and Indonesia, and wetter conditions in the western United States.

    Weather Features

    • High pressure areas on synoptic charts are associated with clear skies.

    El Niño Frequency

    • El Niño events typically occur every 5-7 years.

    Studying That Suits You

    Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

    Quiz Team

    Description

    Learn about the factors driving ocean currents and weather patterns, including the earth's rotation, wind, and the Coriolis effect.

    More Like This

    Use Quizgecko on...
    Browser
    Open
    Browser
    Browser