Ocean-Atmosphere Interactions

Identify the four main sources driving ocean currents.

Answer explanation

wind, tide, temperature, salinity

State the dominant pattern of surface ocean currents.

Answer explanation

circular pattern called gyres

Describe the ocean current patterns in the N hemisphere and in the S hemisphere.

Answer explanation

N hemisphere - clockwise

S hemisphere - anti-clockwise

Name two currents in the N hemisphere and two in the S hemisphere.

Answer explanation

N hemisphere

- Gulf Stream

- Canary

- Labrador

- Alaska

- Norwegian

- Oyashio

S hemisphere

- Peru

- Brazil

- Benguela

- Mozambique

- W Australia

-Antarctic circumpolar

Describe the difference between warm and cold ocean currents.

Answer explanation

Warm:

- surface ocean currents

- travel quickly

- low density (low salinity)

Cold:

- deep ocean currents

- travel slowly

- high density (high salinity)

Explain the importance of the global ocean conveyor belt

Answer explanation

- Transfers energy (heat) around the globe - regulates climate patterns

- Transfers nutrients around the globe - this helps the growth of algae and seaweed - which are components part of the base of the ocean food web - increases biodiversity / fish stocks

What is upwelling?

Answer explanation

The process in which cold, nutrient-rich water rises from the deep ocean to the surface.

Illustrate the climatic/weather conditions in an El Nino phase of the ENSO cycle

Answer explanation

Illustrate the climatic/weather conditions in a La Nina phase of the ENSO cycle

Answer explanation

What is the minimum ocean temperature needed for the formation of a hurricane?

• 30 degrees C

• 25 degrees C

• 27 degrees C

• 29 degrees C