Ocean Currents and Climate

Front

What is the Coriolis Effect?

Back

The Coriolis Effect is the apparent deflection of the path of an object moving in a rotating system, such as the Earth. It causes winds and ocean currents to turn and twist rather than move in a straight line.

Front

What is evaporation?

Back

Evaporation is the process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas, usually due to heating.

Front

What is precipitation?

Back

Precipitation is any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the atmosphere to the Earth's surface, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.

Front

Which heats up faster, land or sea?

Back

Land heats up faster than the sea due to its lower specific heat capacity.

Front

What is a leeward side of a mountain?

Back

The leeward side of a mountain is the side that is sheltered from the wind, often resulting in drier conditions.

Front

What is the role of ocean currents in climate?

Back

Ocean currents help regulate the Earth's climate by distributing heat from the equator to the poles.

Front

What is condensation?

Back

Condensation is the process by which water vapor in the air cools and changes back into liquid water, forming clouds.

Front

What is the water cycle?

Back

The water cycle is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth, involving processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.

Front

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Back

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is the long-term average of weather patterns in a specific area.

Front

What is a rain shadow?

Back

A rain shadow is a dry area on the leeward side of a mountain where less precipitation occurs due to the mountain blocking moist air.