Oceanography, Module 4 - Ocean Circulation

How many subtropical gyres are there?

3

When does downwelling occur?

Downwelling occurs when water 'piles up', forcing surface water downward.

Which boundary current brings cool water from high latitudes toward the equator?

Eastern Boundary Current

Which boundary current can cause upwelling, bringing nutrients up to the surface water?

Eastern Boundary Current

True or False: Primary productivity is not affected by nutrient levels in the water?

False

Does downwelling bring low- oxygen or high-oxygen water into the deep ocean?

High- oxygen

What initiates deep water circulation?

Sea ice forms, which removes fresh water and making the remaining water more salty. Salty surface water is more dense, so it sink downward, which initiated deep water circulation.

Does the Eastern Boundary Current flow more slowly or more quickly?

Slowly

Within subtropical gyres, Equatorial Boundary Currents are driven westward by...

The Trade Winds

True or False: The western sides of continents tend to have a higher primary productivity due to upwelling associated with Eastern Boundary Currents.

True

True or False: Thermohaline circulation is important in circulating heat and oxygen through the oceans.

True

True or False: Upwelling and downwelling may occur seasonally?

True

True or False: Upwelling brings nutrient rich water from deeper in the water column up to the surface.

True

Which boundary current brings warm water from low latitudes toward the poles?

Western Boundary Current

Which boundary current flows along the eastern side of continents?

Western Boundary Current

Which boundary current flows deeper?

Western Boundary Current