Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation

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What is atmospheric circulation?

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The large-scale movement of air that distributes heat and moisture around the Earth.

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What is oceanic circulation?

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The movement of ocean water driven by wind, water density differences, and the Earth's rotation.

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What is upwelling?

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The vertical movement of water toward the ocean's surface, bringing nutrients from the deep ocean.

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What is the role of upwelling in the ocean current cycle?

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It brings deep water to the surface, supporting marine life.

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What happens to water as it moves toward the poles in surface currents?

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It cools and sinks, contributing to deep ocean currents.

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What are convection cells?

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Circulating patterns of air or water caused by temperature differences.

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What is the Coriolis effect?

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The deflection of moving objects, like air and water, due to the Earth's rotation.

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What are trade winds?

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Persistent winds that blow from east to west in the tropics, influencing ocean currents.

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What is thermohaline circulation?

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The global ocean circulation driven by differences in water temperature and salinity.

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What supports large populations of algae, fish, and other ocean organisms?

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Upwelling, which brings nutrient-rich water to the surface.