Ocean Gyres and Climate Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Why does the Great Pacific Garbage Patch happen in that ocean basin, and not in all ocean basins?

The entire Great Pacific Garbage Patch is bounded by the North Pacific Gyre, which draws debris into a stable center where it becomes trapped.

What is the specific problem of photodegradation of plastic in the oceans?

Photodegradation is the process where the sun's rays incorporate oxygen molecules into plastic, causing it to become brittle and break into smaller pieces.

Describe the Coriolis effect. How does this affect wind and water?

The Coriolis effect refers to how the Earth's rotation causes moving air and water to turn and twist rather than move in a straight line, resulting in clockwise motion in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

Why isn't water at the poles frozen and in the tropics boiling?

Gyres move water around and transport heat from the tropics to the colder poles and colder water from the poles back down to the equator. Signup and view all the answers

Define gyres. How are they different from currents?

Gyres are spiraling circulations thousands of miles in diameter and rimmed by large, permanent ocean currents, while currents are formed primarily by wind and vary in response to temperature, density, and pressure differences. Signup and view all the answers

Describe major gyre patterns below and above the equator.

In the Northern Hemisphere, cold water is on the right going down, while in the Southern Hemisphere, cold water is on the right going up. Signup and view all the answers

What is evaporation?

Evaporation is the process where liquid turns into gas, such as how hurricanes form. Signup and view all the answers

What is condensation?

Condensation is the process where gas turns into liquid, as seen in fog. Signup and view all the answers

What is precipitation?

Precipitation is the process where liquid falls back down as rain, snow, or hail. Signup and view all the answers

What is infiltration?

Infiltration is the process where water goes into the ground, helping water ground and plants. Signup and view all the answers

What is percolation?

Percolation is the process where water moves around the particles, such as in making coffee. Signup and view all the answers

What is runoff?

Runoff is the process where water can't infiltrate the ground, often resulting in floods. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Bound by the North Pacific Gyre, trapping debris in its stable center due to circular ocean currents.
Ocean gyres are formed by wind patterns and Earth's rotation, resulting in a circular motion that collects waste.

Photodegradation of Plastics

Photodegradation occurs when UV light and infrared radiation from the sun oxidize plastics, making them brittle.
Non-biodegradable plastics break down into smaller pieces rather than disappearing, contributing to pollution.

Coriolis Effect

The Coriolis effect causes moving objects, such as air and water, to deviate from a straight line due to Earth's rotation.
In the Northern Hemisphere, water and air currents move clockwise; in the Southern Hemisphere, they move counterclockwise.

Temperature Regulation by Gyres

Gyres facilitate the movement of warm water from the tropics to the poles and cold water from the poles back to the equator, preventing extreme temperature conditions.

Difference Between Gyres and Currents

Gyres are massive spiraling circulations, thousands of miles wide, surrounded by permanent ocean currents that help equalize ocean heat.
Currents are primarily driven by wind and variations in water properties like temperature and density, influenced by Earth's rotation and geographic features.

Major Gyre Patterns

In the Northern Hemisphere, cold water flows down on the right side, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it flows up on the right side.

Evaporation

Transition stage from liquid to gas; key in processes like hurricane formation.

Condensation

Transition stage from gas to liquid; occurs in phenomena such as fog.

Precipitation

Return of water to the ground in liquid form, examples include rain, snow, and hail.

Infiltration

Water movement into the ground; essential for plants and groundwater replenishment.

Percolation

Process of water moving around soil particles; comparable to the brewing of coffee.

Runoff

Occurs when water cannot penetrate the ground; can lead to flooding.

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Description

Explore the dynamics of ocean gyres, particularly focusing on the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This quiz provides insights into how wind patterns and ocean currents interact to influence climate and environmental issues. Test your knowledge on the importance of these systems in our oceans.