Flashcard: Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation

Front

What is a density current?

Back

The vertical movement of water caused by differences in density.

Front

What occurs when wind blows across the ocean's surface, pushing water away from an area?

Back

Upwelling.

Front

What causes upwelling in ocean currents?

Back

Winds that blow on the ocean's surface.

Front

What is a sea breeze?

Back

When cool, dense air from over the water flows inland.

Front

What is wind?

Back

The movement of air from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure.

Front

What is upwelling?

Back

The vertical movement of water that brings nutrients from the ocean floor to the surface.

Front

What is a surface current?

Back

A wind-driven current that carries ocean water horizontally across the ocean’s surface.

Front

What is the role of density in ocean currents?

Back

Density differences in water lead to vertical movements, affecting circulation.

Front

What is thermal energy transfer?

Back

The transfer of thermal energy by the movement of particles within matter.

Front

What is the difference between a land breeze and a sea breeze?

Back

A land breeze flows from land to sea, while a sea breeze flows from sea to land.