Ocean Surface Currents

What causes the water to begin to move as wind moves across the surface of the ocean?

• Friction between the moving air and the surface of the water

• Gravity pulling the water in the direction of the wind

• The rotation of the Earth

• The temperature difference between the air and the water

Who first investigated the details of how water behaves as energy from wind moves from the surface to depth?

• Walford Ekman

• Arctic explorer for each off Nansen

• Coriolis effect

• Winds along the equator

What did Nansen notice about the movement of windblown sea ice?

• It moved in the same direction as the wind

• It moved 20 to 40 degrees to the left of the wind

• It moved 20 to 40 degrees to the right of the wind

• It moved in the completely opposite direction than the wind

What is the mathematical model built by Ekman to explain the movement of water?

• Coriolis effect

• Ekman transport

• Eckman's model

• Nansen's observations

What is the result of the deflection pattern caused by the Coriolis effect?

• A spiral pattern called a Eckman spiral

• A straight line movement of water

• A circular motion of water

• A random movement of water

What is the movement of water at right angles to the direction of the prevailing winds called?

• Upwelling

• Downwelling

• Ekman transport

• Gyres

What causes upwelling in coastal areas?

• Prevailing winds blowing along the coast

• The rotation of the Earth

• Friction between the moving air and the surface of the water

• The concentration of relatively nutrient poor surface water

What causes downwelling in coastal areas?

• Prevailing winds blowing along the coast

• The rotation of the Earth

• Friction between the moving air and the surface of the water

• The concentration of relatively nutrient poor surface water

What causes upwelling along the equator?

• Prevailing winds blowing from east to west

• The rotation of the Earth

• Friction between the moving air and the surface of the water

• The concentration of relatively nutrient poor surface water

What causes downwelling at mid latitudes around 30 degrees north and south?

• Prevailing winds blowing from east to west

• The rotation of the Earth

• Friction between the moving air and the surface of the water

• The concentration of relatively nutrient poor surface water