Exit Ticket Atmospheric and Ocean Circulation

Front

What is upwelling?

Back

The movement of large amounts of bottom water to the surface, bringing nutrients that benefit marine food webs.

Front

What primarily influences surface currents in the ocean?

Back

Wind.

Front

What primarily influences deep ocean currents?

Back

Density.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The deflection of moving objects or particles to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Front

What are the general characteristics of deep ocean water?

Back

Colder and more dense.

Front

What role do nutrients play in marine ecosystems?

Back

Nutrients support the growth of phytoplankton, which forms the base of the marine food web.

Front

How does wind affect ocean currents?

Back

Wind drives surface currents, influencing their direction and speed.

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and density in ocean water?

Back

Colder water is generally more dense than warmer water.

Front

What is the significance of the Ekman spiral?

Back

It describes the effect of wind on ocean currents, where surface water moves at an angle to the wind due to the Coriolis effect.

Front

How does salinity affect ocean water density?

Back

Higher salinity increases water density, causing it to sink.