Ocean Current/Wind 8.10A

Front

What is a convection current?

Back

A convection current is a movement of fluid (liquid or gas) caused by the uneven heating of that fluid, leading to changes in density and the rise and fall of the fluid.

Front

What happens to cool air in convection currents?

Back

Cool air sinks.

Front

What creates a sea breeze during the day?

Back

During the day, the Sun’s energy heats up the land faster than the water, causing the air above the land to warm and rise, creating a convection current.

Front

What is the process that causes plate tectonics, wind, and ocean currents?

Back

Convection.

Front

What effect does entering cooler water have on a hurricane?

Back

It reduces the strength of the hurricane.

Front

What are the major patterns of movement of air and water on Earth caused by?

Back

Uneven heating and the rotation of Earth.

Front

What is the role of density in ocean currents?

Back

Differences in density between seawater and freshwater drive the movement of ocean currents.

Front

How does the rotation of Earth affect wind patterns?

Back

The rotation of Earth causes the Coriolis effect, which influences the direction of wind and ocean currents.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects, such as air and water, due to Earth's rotation.

Front

What is the difference between sea breeze and land breeze?

Back

A sea breeze occurs during the day when cool air from the sea moves to replace rising warm air over the land, while a land breeze occurs at night when cool air from the land moves towards the sea.