Unit 4: Ocean Currents and Climate Flashcard

Front

What are surface ocean currents?

Back

Surface ocean currents are large-scale movements of water in the ocean that are primarily driven by prevailing winds. They play a crucial role in transferring energy from the atmosphere to the hydrosphere.

Front

How do ocean currents affect climate?

Back

Ocean currents help regulate climate by distributing heat across the planet, influencing weather patterns, and affecting precipitation.

Front

What is the role of the atmosphere in ocean currents?

Back

The atmosphere provides the energy needed to drive surface ocean currents through wind patterns, transferring energy from the atmosphere to the hydrosphere.

Front

Which surface absorbs the most light energy?

Back

Dark soil absorbs the most light energy, which helps warm the Earth more effectively than lighter surfaces like fresh snow.

Front

What causes the curving paths of planetary winds?

Back

The curving paths of planetary winds are caused by Earth's rotation, which affects wind direction and speed.

Front

How can climate be classified based on temperature and precipitation?

Back

Climate can be classified into categories such as warm and dry, cold and dry, cold and humid, or warm and humid based on average yearly temperature and precipitation.

Front

What is the significance of ocean currents in weather patterns?

Back

Ocean currents distribute heat from the uneven absorption of solar energy, which influences weather patterns and climate across different regions.

Front

What is the hydrosphere?

Back

The hydrosphere encompasses all water on Earth, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and water vapor in the atmosphere.

Front

What is the lithosphere?

Back

The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth, consisting of the crust and the upper mantle.

Front

What is the relationship between solar energy and ocean currents?

Back

Ocean currents are influenced by the uneven absorption of solar energy, which creates temperature gradients in the ocean.