Ocean Circulation (Ocean Gyres, Gulf Stream)

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What is ocean circulation?

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The large-scale movement of water in the world's oceans, driven by factors such as wind, the Coriolis effect, and differences in water density.

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What are ocean gyres?

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Large systems of circulating ocean currents, primarily driven by wind patterns and the Coriolis effect, found in the major ocean basins.

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What is the Gulf Stream?

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A warm ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows up the eastern coast of the United States, influencing climate and weather patterns.

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How does the Coriolis Effect influence ocean currents in the northern hemisphere?

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It causes ocean currents to move in a clockwise direction due to the rotation of the Earth.

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What are prevailing westerlies?

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Winds that blow from west to east in the mid-latitudes, significantly influencing weather patterns in the United States.

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What is the primary source of energy that drives wind patterns?

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The sun, which heats the Earth's surface unevenly, creating pressure differences that result in wind.

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What is one of the greatest pollution threats to ocean ecosystems today?

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Plastics, which can harm marine life and disrupt ecosystems.

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What happens to ocean currents when they encounter a landmass?

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They change direction due to the obstruction caused by the land.

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What is the role of the sun in ocean circulation?

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The sun provides the energy that drives wind patterns, which in turn influence ocean currents.

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What is the difference between surface currents and deep ocean currents?

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Surface currents are driven by wind and affect the upper layer of the ocean, while deep ocean currents are driven by differences in water density and temperature.