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