oceanography mid-term --> ocean circulation
what drives surface currents
driven by global wind systems that are fueled by energy from the sun
how is the gulf stream significant
a strong ocean current that brings warm water from the gulf of mexico into the atlantic ocean
What is upwelling?
a rising of seawater, magma, or other liquid
what is the global ocean conveyor belt
a constantly moving system of deep-ocean circulation driven by temperature and salinity
what drives deep currents
differences in water densities
What causes gyres to form?
global wind patterns, earth's rotation, and earth landmasses
what impacts surface currents
global winds, the coriolis effect, and continental deflections
what does the global ocean conveyor belt transport
moves water around the globe
What does upwelling cause?
rich in nutrients
what is the largest western boundary current
the gulf stream
Where does upwelling happen?
the open ocean and along coastlines
what impacts deep currents
the temperature, salinity, and depth of the water
what direction does gyres move in the southern hemisphere?
to the left
what direction does gyres move in the northern hemisphere?
to the right
How are western and eastern boundary currents different?
western boundary currents are faster, deeper, and narrower than eastern boundary currents