Ocean Dynamics: Tsunamis and Currents
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Questions and Answers

Ozone is composed of two oxygen atoms.

False (B)

The ozone layer, found in the stratosphere, is beneficial to life by blocking ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

True (A)

In the troposphere, ozone is considered a beneficial component of clean air.

False (B)

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were found to create ozone molecules in the upper atmosphere.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Montreal Protocol, established in 1987, aimed to increase the global production of CFCs.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Specific heat measures the energy needed to raise the temperature of a substance by 2 degrees Celsius.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Latent heat is associated with temperature changes during phase transitions of a substance.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Tsunami waves in the open ocean are characterized by their significant height, often reaching tens of meters.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Gyres, large circular ocean currents, are primarily generated by variations in water density due to temperature and salinity differences.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The South Pacific Subtropical Gyre is recognized as the largest gyre on Earth, influencing weather patterns globally.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Trade winds, global westerlies, and polar easterlies are classifications of deep ocean currents that drive thermohaline circulation.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Upwelling zones are ocean areas near coastlines where winds draw nutrient-poor water from the deep ocean to the surface.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

El Nino Southern Oscillation is characterized by an accumulation of colder water in the western Pacific Ocean, impacting global weather patterns.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Thermohaline circulation, also known as the global oceanic conveyor belt, is primarily driven by differences in water color and turbidity.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Air masses moving over cooler ocean water tend to ascend, leading to increased precipitation and cloud formation over land.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Gyres

Large rotating ocean currents created by surface winds.

Great Pacific Garbage Patch

A massive buildup of plastic and debris in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre.

Deep Ocean Currents

Deep ocean currents driven by differences in density caused by variations in temperature and salinity (salt content).

Upwellings

Winds blowing parallel to a coastline, bringing up cold, nutrient-rich water from the ocean depths.

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El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO)

A repeating cycle of warmer water accumulating at the western end of the Pacific Ocean, influencing global weather patterns like increased rainfall.

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Thermohaline Circulation (Global Oceanic Conveyor Belt)

A global, interconnected system of deep ocean currents driven by differences in temperature and salinity.

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Hadley Cells

Large-scale atmospheric circulation patterns that form due to temperature differences between the equator and poles.

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Tsunamis

Ocean waves caused by rapid displacements of the seafloor, typically by earthquakes, landslides, or volcanic eruptions.

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Ozone (O3)

A gaseous molecule composed of three oxygen atoms (O3) that protects life from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

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Ozone Layer

A region in the stratosphere with a high concentration of ozone that absorbs most of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

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Ozone Depletion

The process of breaking down ozone molecules (O3) into oxygen molecules (O2) by certain chemicals, primarily chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).

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Temperature

A measure of the average kinetic energy of particles within a system.

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Specific Heat

The amount of energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by one degree Celsius.

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Conduction

The transfer of heat through direct contact between substances of different temperatures.

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Convection

The transfer of heat through the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) as warmer fluids rise and cooler fluids sink.

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Study Notes

Tsunamis

  • Formed by rapid seafloor displacement (earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions)
  • Travel at high speeds away from the source
  • Relatively small (1-2 feet) in the open ocean
  • Height increases significantly as they approach the shore, causing powerful surges and inland flooding.
  • Warning systems exist in the Pacific, and are developing in the Indian Ocean.

Ocean Currents and Gyres

  • Ocean water is constantly circulating.
  • Gyres are circular patterns created by surface winds
  • The North Pacific Subtropical Gyre is the largest, and among impacts:
    • Affects weather patterns by drawing cold air down along the West Coast of the U.S.
    • Contains the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
  • Two types of currents:
    • Surface currents (wind-driven)
    • Deep ocean currents (density differences in temperature and salt)

Global Weather Patterns and Upwellings

  • Earth has global wind patterns (Hadley Cells) with trade winds, westerlies, and easterlies.
  • Upwellings occur where wind blows parallel to the coast, drawing nutrient-rich water from deep depths.
  • Highly fertile areas are often near upwellings.
  • El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO):
    • Warmer water buildup in the Western Pacific
    • Impacts global weather patterns.

Thermohaline Circulation

  • Deep ocean circulation pattern.
  • Also known as the global oceanic conveyor belt
  • Cycles water throughout all major oceans.
  • Driven by differences in density:
    • Colder, saltier water sinks
    • Warmer, fresher water rises.

Ozone Layer

  • Ozone (O3) protects from UV radiation.
  • Found in the stratosphere (low concentration, 12 parts per million).
  • Found in the troposphere (smog, toxic air pollutant)
  • Ozone depletion:
    • CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) can destroy ozone through UV radiation interactions.
    • Ozone hole (over Antarctica), discovered in 1985.
    • Montreal Protocol (1987): Nations pledged to reduce CFC production (success - 95% reduction).
    • Ozone hole is currently recovering, projected return to pre-1980 levels by late 21st century.

Heat and Thermal Expansion

  • Heat is energy in the form of particle kinetic energy.
  • Measured by temperature (average kinetic energy).
  • Specific heat describes energy needed to increase temperature by 1°C.
  • Latent heat: Heat transfer during phase changes (no temperature change).
  • Thermal expansion: Substances expand as temperature increases (different expansion rates depending on the particle, mass and bonds).
  • Laws of thermodynamics govern heat transfer, toward entropy and thermal equilibrium.
  • Heat transfer mechanisms: conduction, convection, and radiation.

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Description

Explore the fascinating phenomena of tsunamis and ocean currents in this quiz. Learn how these events shape our coastlines and influence weather patterns. Test your knowledge of the forces behind oceanic movements and their global impact.

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