Atmospheric & Oceanic Circulation Cloze Note Flashcard

Front

What is atmospheric circulation?

Back

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

Front

What is oceanic circulation?

Back

The movement of ocean water driven by factors such as wind, temperature, and salinity.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The deflection of moving objects, such as air and water, caused by the rotation of the Earth.

Front

What are trade winds?

Back

Winds that blow from east to west in the tropics, important for weather patterns.

Front

What is the Gulf Stream?

Back

A warm ocean current that flows from the Gulf of Mexico along the eastern coast of the United States.

Front

What are prevailing westerlies?

Back

Winds that blow from west to east in the mid-latitudes.

Front

What is upwelling?

Back

The process where deep, cold water rises to the surface, bringing nutrients.

Front

What is thermohaline circulation?

Back

A global ocean circulation driven by differences in water density, affected by temperature and salinity.

Front

What is the role of the sun in atmospheric and oceanic circulation?

Back

The sun heats the Earth's surface, causing temperature differences that drive air and water movement.

Front

What is a current?

Back

A continuous, directed movement of seawater generated by various forces acting upon it.