Currents

Question 1

Rip currents formation

Answer 1

Are caused by either tidal motion or by waves breaking at right angles to the shore
A cellular circulation is generated by different wave heights parallel to the shore
Water at the top of the breaking wave travels further up the shore then returns through the adjacent area where lower height waves have broken.

Question 2

How do rip currents modify the coastline

Answer 2

By creating cusps which perpetuate the rip current

Question 3

What generates ocean currents and what influences them?

Answer 3

1. Earth’s rotation and convection

2. The wind

Question 4

Where do warm ocean currents transport thermal energy?

What type of coast do they have a larger impact on and why?

Answer 4

The poles

West facing coastal areas where they are driven by onshore winds.

Question 5

Where do cold ocean currents transport energy to?

Answer 5

The Equator

Question 6

Why do cold water currents have less of an impact on the landscape?
What is the exception to this?

Answer 6

They are driven by offshore winds

The transfer of thermal energy impacts air temp. and aerial processes