Ocean Currents and Fluid Dynamics

Professor Steve explains ocean circulation, starting with deep water formation and the global conveyor belt. He covers local circulation, the Coriolis effect, and pressure gradients. The lesson progresses to atmospheric cells and global wind patterns, which influence ocean surface currents. Fluid dynamics and turbulence are discussed, leading to the Ekman spiral and transport, which describe how wind affects ocean currents.

What is the primary driver of the global ocean conveyor belt?

• Solar heating

• Surface winds

• Deep water formation

• Tidal forces

How does the Coriolis effect influence fluid movement on Earth?

• It deflects the path of fluids to the right in the Northern Hemisphere.

• It deflects the path of fluids to the left in the Northern Hemisphere.

• It causes fluids to move in a straight line.

• It has no effect on fluid movement.

What atmospheric condition is typically found at the equator?

• No pressure

• Low pressure

• High pressure

• Variable pressure

What primarily drives the patterns of ocean surface currents?

• Seafloor topography

• Tidal forces

• Solar radiation

• Wind patterns

What is the main effect of the Ekman spiral on ocean currents?

• It causes currents to move in a straight line.

• It causes currents to move in a circular pattern.

• It deflects currents 90° to the right of the wind in the Northern Hemisphere.

• It stops currents from moving.

What happens to the energy transfer from wind to ocean as depth increases?

• It remains constant

• It increases

• It fluctuates

• It decreases

In the Southern Hemisphere, how are ocean currents deflected due to the Coriolis effect?

• To the left

• Straight ahead

• They are not deflected

• To the right

What is the term for the frictional force that causes turbulence between two fluid media?

• Laminar flow

• Eddy viscosity

• Pressure gradient

• Coriolis force

What is the result of integrating the net effect of the Ekman spiral?

• Water moves 45° to the right

• Water moves 90° to the right

• Water moves 180° to the right

• Water moves 360° to the right

What is the Ekman layer dependent on?

• Wind strength

• Ocean depth

• Temperature

• Salinity