Oceanography Concepts

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What are surface currents?

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Surface currents are large-scale ocean currents that occur at or near the surface of the ocean, driven primarily by wind patterns and affected by the Earth's rotation. They regulate climate by distributing heat across the planet and influence weather patterns and marine life distribution.

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What is the Coriolis effect?

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The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects, such as air or water currents, due to the Earth's rotation. In the Northern Hemisphere, it causes currents to curve to the right, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they curve to the left. It shapes wind patterns and ocean currents.

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What are deep currents?

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Deep currents, or thermohaline circulation, are ocean currents that occur deep below the surface, driven by differences in water density affected by temperature and salinity. They play a significant role in global heat and nutrient distribution and are vital for maintaining Earth's climate.

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What are upwellings?

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Upwellings are oceanographic phenomena where deep, cold, and nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, providing nutrients that support the growth of phytoplankton, the base of the marine food web. They often occur along coastlines and are associated with high biological productivity.

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What is the Great Ocean Conveyor Belt?

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The Great Ocean Conveyor Belt is a global network of ocean currents that circulate warm and cold water around Earth's oceans. It redistributes heat and regulates weather patterns, driven by differences in water temperature and salinity.

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What is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch?

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The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a massive accumulation of marine debris, primarily plastic, located in the North Pacific Ocean. Formed by ocean currents, it poses threats to marine life and ecosystems and highlights human impact on the environment.

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What is coral bleaching?

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Coral bleaching occurs when corals, stressed by changes in conditions such as temperature, light, or nutrients, expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn white. It can lead to widespread coral death and is often associated with climate change and environmental stressors.