Unit: Air and Ocean Currents
I can...
1. explain how air and ocean currents move through the atmosphere & hydrosphere
2. explain how air and ocean currents effect climate
1. explain how air and ocean currents move through the atmosphere & hydrosphere
2. explain how air and ocean currents effect climate
Notes
air_and_ocean_currents.pptx | |
File Size: | 3739 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
Graphics
Coriolis Effect- the rotation of the Earth causes winds to be deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and the left in the Southern Hemisphere
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Pressure belts can be found every 30° latitude. Areas of low pressure are found at the equator (0° and 60° latitude) because warm air is rising. Areas of high pressure are found at the equator (30° and 90° latitude) because cold air is sinking here. From these pressure belts, we have different types of global winds.
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Wind-driven currents are called surface currents. They carry water horizontally across the ocean’s surface by the Earth’s wind. Two currents that pass by the United States are the Gulf Stream on the eastern coast and the California Current on the west coast. How do these currents affect climate in other parts of the world?
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Large surface currents that move in a circular direction are called gyres. They move large bodies of warm and cool water around the world. Gyres move in clockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and a counter-clockwise direction in the Southern Hemisphere. This movement is due to the Coriolis Effect.
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There are currents deep below the Earth's surface, which is known as the Global Conveyer Belt. Deep ocean currents are driven by differences in water’s temperature and salinity (amount of salt in the water). Waters in the conveyer belt move slow compared to ocean currents. The rising and sinking of water at different densities bring important nutrients to the ocean's surface, which is necessary for marine food chains.
Videos
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