Ocean Currents and Climate

Front

What is Ekman Transport?

Back

Ekman Transport is the net movement of water at an angle to the wind direction due to the Coriolis effect, typically 90 degrees to the right in the Northern Hemisphere.

Front

What direction does Ekman Transport occur in the Northern Hemisphere?

Back

Right of the wind direction.

Front

What is the Coriolis Effect?

Back

The Coriolis Effect is the apparent deflection of moving objects (like air and water) caused by the rotation of the Earth, affecting wind and ocean currents.

Front

True or False: The Coriolis Effect can change wind speed and direction.

Back

True.

Front

How do Northern Hemisphere Gyres flow?

Back

Clockwise.

Front

What drives surface ocean currents?

Back

Surface currents are mainly driven by wind.

Front

In what direction do surface currents primarily move?

Back

Horizontal direction.

Front

What is the primary source of energy for wind and ocean currents?

Back

The sun.

Front

What is a gyre?

Back

A gyre is a large system of circulating ocean currents, typically driven by wind patterns and the Coriolis effect.

Front

What are the main components of ocean currents?

Back

Ocean currents consist of surface currents, deep-water currents, and tidal currents.