Coriolis and Ekman Transport

What is the Coriolis Effect?

• The Coriolis Effect is a phenomenon only observed in space.

• The Coriolis Effect is caused by the Earth's magnetic field affecting moving objects.

• The Coriolis Effect is the deflection of moving objects when viewed in a rotating reference frame, caused by the rotation of the Earth.

• The Coriolis Effect is the result of gravitational pull on objects in motion.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Explain the concept of Ekman Spiral.

• The Ekman Spiral is a type of tornado that forms over the ocean

• Ekman Spiral is a dance move popular in Scandinavia

• The Ekman Spiral is a theory that describes the effect of wind on the ocean surface currents, creating a spiral pattern of water movement with depth due to the Coriolis effect.

• Ekman Spiral refers to a type of shellfish found in deep-sea trenches

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

How does wind-driven ocean circulation influence global climate?

• Wind-driven ocean circulation causes earthquakes

• Wind-driven ocean circulation leads to increased air pollution

• Wind-driven ocean circulation has no impact on global climate

• Wind-driven ocean circulation redistributes heat around the Earth, affecting temperature patterns and weather systems.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Differentiate between upwelling and downwelling in the ocean.

• Upwelling brings cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface, supporting marine life, while downwelling redistributes heat and dissolved gases.

• Downwelling supports marine life by bringing cold, nutrient-rich water to the surface.

• Upwelling redistributes heat and dissolved gases in the ocean.

• Upwelling brings warm, nutrient-poor water to the surface.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

What is Ekman Transport and how does it affect ocean currents?

• Ekman Transport only affects deep ocean currents, not surface currents.

• Ekman Transport affects ocean currents by causing surface waters to move at an angle to the wind direction, leading to the formation of ocean currents.

• Ekman Transport is caused by the gravitational pull of the moon on ocean waters.

• Ekman Transport leads to the formation of hurricanes in the ocean.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

How does the Coriolis Effect impact the direction of ocean currents?

• Ocean currents always flow in a straight line regardless of the Coriolis Effect

• The Coriolis Effect has no impact on ocean currents

• Ocean currents are influenced by the Coriolis Effect, which causes them to change direction based on the hemisphere they are in.

• The Coriolis Effect only affects air currents, not ocean currents

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Describe the process of Ekman Transport in the ocean.

• Ekman Transport is only observed in freshwater lakes

• Ekman Transport is a result of water movement parallel to the wind direction

• Ekman Transport is the net movement of water at 90 degrees to the wind direction due to the Coriolis effect.

• Ekman Transport is caused by the gravitational pull of the moon

Why is understanding Ekman Transport important for marine ecosystems?

• Understanding Ekman Transport helps in predicting the direction and speed of ocean currents, which influence the distribution of nutrients and organisms in marine ecosystems.

• Understanding Ekman Transport helps in predicting weather patterns in marine ecosystems.

• Ekman Transport is only relevant for freshwater ecosystems.

• Ekman Transport has no impact on marine ecosystems.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Discuss the relationship between Ekman Transport and nutrient availability in the ocean.

• Ekman Transport leads to a decrease in nutrient availability by pushing surface waters away from nutrient-rich areas.

• Nutrient availability in the ocean is not affected by Ekman Transport.

• Ekman Transport causes upwelling of nutrient-rich deep water towards the surface, increasing nutrient availability in the ocean.

• Ekman Transport causes a decrease in nutrient availability by trapping nutrients deep in the ocean.

How do oceanographers study and measure Ekman Transport in the ocean?

• Ekman Transport in the ocean is studied by analyzing cloud patterns from satellite images.

• Oceanographers use instruments like ADCPs and satellite altimetry to measure Ekman Transport in the ocean.

• Measuring Ekman Transport in the ocean involves collecting sediment samples from the seafloor.

• Oceanographers use drones and submarines to measure Ekman Transport in the ocean.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6