Chapter 16 The Dynamic Ocean

Front

What is the primary source of energy that creates winds?

Back

The sun.

Front

Which factor does NOT influence the height, length, and period of a wave?

Back

Temperature.

Front

What is the main source of energy for most ocean waves?

Back

The wind.

Front

What is the term for the large, circular surface-current pattern found in each ocean?

Back

Gyre.

Front

What type of tide occurs when the Earth, Moon, and Sun are aligned?

Back

Spring tide.

Front

Define 'fetch' in the context of ocean waves.

Back

Fetch is the distance over water that the wind blows in a single direction, influencing wave size.

Front

What is a neap tide?

Back

A neap tide is a tide with the least difference between high and low water, occurring when the moon is at a right angle to the Earth and Sun.

Front

Explain the role of the moon in ocean tides.

Back

The moon's gravitational pull affects the Earth's oceans, creating bulges that result in high and low tides.

Front

What is the difference between a gyre and a current?

Back

A gyre is a large system of rotating ocean currents, while a current is a continuous, directed movement of seawater.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects, such as ocean currents, due to the rotation of the Earth.