Oceanography Basics

Front

What is a wave?

Back

Rhythmic movement that carries energy through water and space.

Front

What causes waves?

Back

Wind energy is transferred to the water when wind blows across a body of water.

Front

What do waves do once set in motion?

Back

They continue moving for long distances, even if the wind stops blowing.

Front

What is needed to create waves?

Back

The speed of wind, the distance wind blows, and the length of time the wind blows.

Front

How do surface currents move water?

Back

Horizontally, parallel to the Earth’s surface.

Front

What powers surface currents?

Back

Wind.

Front

In what patterns do surface currents move?

Back

Circular patterns.

Front

What types of surface currents exist?

Back

Warm surface currents and cold surface currents.

Front

What affects surface winds and surface currents?

Back

The rotation of Earth (the Coriolis Effect).

Front

How do currents north of the equator curve?

Back

To the right.