Ocean/Wind Currents

Front

What is a land breeze?

Back

A land breeze is a local wind that blows from the land to the sea, typically occurring at night when the land cools faster than the water.

Front

What causes the Coriolis Effect?

Back

The Coriolis Effect is caused by Earth's rotation, which makes moving air and water turn and twist instead of moving in a straight line.

Front

What causes differences in air pressure?

Back

Differences in air pressure are caused by the uneven heating of the Earth, leading to variations in temperature and density of air.

Front

What type of water does the Gulf Stream carry from the east coast of the United States to the west coast of Europe?

Back

The Gulf Stream carries warm water.

Front

What causes deep ocean currents?

Back

Deep ocean currents are caused by the temperature and salinity of ocean water, which affect its density.

Front

Define ocean currents.

Back

Ocean currents are large-scale movements of water within the world's oceans, driven by factors such as wind, water density differences, and the Earth's rotation.

Front

What is the role of wind in ocean currents?

Back

Wind drives surface ocean currents by exerting frictional force on the water, causing it to move.

Front

Explain the concept of salinity in ocean water.

Back

Salinity is the concentration of salts in water, which affects water density and can influence ocean currents.

Front

What is the difference between surface currents and deep currents?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of the Gulf Stream?

Back

The Gulf Stream is significant because it transports warm water across the Atlantic Ocean, influencing climate and weather patterns in Europe and North America.