Ocean Currents and Wind Patterns

Front

Coriolis Effect

Back

The force created by the Earth’s rotation. Causes winds to curve.

Front

Convection Currents

Back

The transfer of heat by the movement of a fluid (liquid or air). Warm material rises while heavier (more dense) cool material sinks creating a circulation pattern.

Front

Deep Ocean Current

Back

Cold, dense water currents that move more slowly than the surface currents. They sink and flow beneath warmer ocean water toward the equator.

Front

Gyre

Back

Large system of circular ocean currents.

Front

Jet Stream

Back

A band of high-speed winds about 10 kilometers above Earth’s surface that blow west to east.

Front

Sea Breeze

Back

The flow of cool air (high pressure) from over a body of water towards the land (low pressure). Occurs during the day.

Front

Land Breeze

Back

The flow of cool air (high pressure) from the land towards a body of warm water (low pressure). Occurs during the night.

Front

Local Winds

Back

Winds that occur over short distances and can blow in any direction.

Front

Global Winds

Back

Winds that occur over long distances.

Front

Salinity

Back

The amount of salt in a body of water.