Currents Flashcards

1
Q

What is on each side of the equator?

A

cell

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2
Q

Two cell names

A

Polar and Hadley

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3
Q

Why do we have geostrophic wind?

A

Because we are a sphere

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4
Q

Describe geostrophic wind

A
  1. Air flows away from high pressure due to pressure gradient force
  2. But the Coriolis force causes air to turn right (in northern, left in southern)
  3. Until a balance is met between the Coriolis force and the pressure gradient force
  4. This balance produces a balanced flow called a geostrophic wind/ current nearly parallel to the isobars
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5
Q

Hadley

A

Winds from NE to SW

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6
Q

Atmospheric eddies

A

A front separates warm and cold air
The warm air is pushed onto the cold air, a low pressure system is created, the isobars are squeezed together, stronger pressure gradient force, stronger wind

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7
Q

High pressure system eddie

A

clockwise

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8
Q

Low pressure system Eddie

A

anti clockwise

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9
Q

How does wind impact the ocean?

A

The large wind fields will transfer energy through friction into the ocean and therefore create surface currents
Due to ekmann transport icebergs will move to the right as they are at depth

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10
Q

Sea surface height

A

Water will be pushed by the wind and create highs and lows in the ocean, this causes a 2/3m bump in the ocean

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11
Q

Geostrophic currents

A
  • Water flows away from high pressure due to pressure gradient
  • the Coriolis force causes water to turn
  • a balance is met
  • balance produces a balancced flow
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12
Q

Eddies

A
  • Strong current meanders
  • Amplitude increases
  • A loop is formed
  • And pinched off
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13
Q

What causes the great ocean conveyor belt?

A

Surface currents and thermohaline circulation

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