Oceans and Climate
About this set
Created by:
rockstar0021 on June 10, 2012
Subjects:
Description:
Unit #10
Log in to favorite or report as inappropriate.
Order by
21 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 what is a surface ocean current | any continuous flow of water along a definite path in the ocean |
| surface ocean currents are driven by... | prevailing winds |
| west hemisphere has.... | warm currents |
| east hemisphere has.... | cold currents |
| south has winds moving... | counterclockwise |
| two factors that affect wind and ocean currents | uneven heating of earths surface, and insulation (solar heating) |
| how deep does sunlight heat the ocean | 10-15 ft (100mm) |
| ocean is layered by what... | density |
| describe the mixed later | heated by the sun, mixed by waves and wind with uniform temp. |
| describe the thermocline layer | layerd of rapid temperature change |
| describe the pelagic layer | cold layer all around the globe |
| layer where most life exists | mixed layer |
| normal conditions | strong trade wings blow e-w, cool water near south america, warm water near australia, upwelling in eastern pacific brings nutrient rich deep waters to the surface |
| el nino conditions | trade winds weaken or reverse, warm water near s.america, flooding near s.america, droughts in australia/indonesia, upwelling stops, fish die in s.america |
| la nina conditions | trade winds are very strong, very cold water near s.america, very warm water near australia |
| ENSO, el nino southern oscillation | el nino and la nina events together |
| why does ice float | separated molecules so it's less dense |
| what does thermohaline circulation describe | ocean currents based on temp and salinity |
| what winds are encountered at the horse latitudes | little or none |
| what are the currents that take 1000 years to make one trip around the world | deep ocean currents |
| what is the coriolis effect | the tendency of an object o veer from its path |
First Time Here?
Welcome to Quizlet, a fun, free place to study. Try these flashcards, find others to study, or make your own.