Ocean/Climate interactions

Question 1

The position of the coast is determined by

Answer 1

The position of the coast is determined by sea level, which, in turn is dependent on ocean water volume and ocean basin geometry.

Question 2

Eustacy is

Answer 2

Eustacy is the control of sea level by water volume. Eustatic change is generally worldwide and immediate because water effectively finds a common level.

Question 3

Thermal expansion would

Answer 3

Thermal expansion would raise sea level by approx 0.8m for a 1 degree rise.

Question 4

Isostacy is

Answer 4

Isostacy is the gravitational equilibrium between crustal lithosphere of different thickness/density, through vertical or lateral adjustments in adjacent lithosphere

Question 5

Solar radiation flux

Answer 5

solar radiation flux at the ocean surface strongly influences the upper 100-200m. Shallow local thermoclines may be created diurnally or seasonally in this layer but they are susceptible to turbulent mixing by wind and ocean surface currents

Question 6

Shallow wave movement is generated by:

Answer 6

Shallow, transient wave motion is generated by air flow at the ocean-atmosphere boundary layer and may superficially mimic larger current systems.

Question 7

Tides form as a response to

Answer 7

Tides form an oscillatory response to gravitational mass attractions between Earth, Sun and moon

Question 8

The coriolis force draws water:

Answer 8

The Coriolis force draws water to the right of its path in the northern hemisphere and to the left south of the equator.

Question 9

Warm equatorial waters are:

Answer 9

Warm equatorial waters are driven west across the oceans by atmospheric trade-wind convergence and are deflected poleward by the opposing continental shoreline.

Question 10

The Arctic ocean is fed by:

Answer 10

The Arctic Ocean is fed by Gulf Stream influx, which circulates beneath polar sea ice and exists via the Denmark, Davis and Bering Straits.

Question 11

The thermohaline circulation

Answer 11

The thermohaline circulation moves at speeds of 10-50 km yr-1, driven by water masses of different densities determined by temperature and salinity properties

Question 12

Moon and sun create

Answer 12

Moon and sun create tidal bulges on either side of the Earth, extending in the plane of maximum pull, but their periodicity is not identical.

Question 13

Lunar tides are

Answer 13

Lunar tides are stronger than solar tides because of the moon’s proximity