How are deep currents generated in polar regions?
Dense water sinks to ocean floor, more water moves in to replace it, and a current forms. This repeats as new water gets cold and sinks.
What is upwelling?
When wind pushes surface water away from the coastline and colder water comes up from the deep to replace it.
How do gyres affect climate?
Gyres transfer heat to the air which in turn heats the land.
What is the name of the prevailing winds in the Ferrel Cell?
The Westerlies
Name two areas (continents) where a major upwelling hotspot is found.
North America, South America, Northern and Southern Africa
Which atmospheric circulation cell spans mid-latitudes between 30° and 60° in both hemispheres
Ferrel
Which cell is located at letter A?
Ferrel
Polar
Hadley
Which cell is located at letter C?
Polar
Ferrel
Hadley
How does a rain shadow affect climate and vegetation?
The windward side typically has a wetter, cooler climate and supports lush vegetation like forests. The leeward side, in contrast, is often arid with sparse veg
Which atmospheric circulation cell is situated between 60° latitude and poles?
Polar
Name two factors that affect water density.
temperature and salinity
What is the name of the prevailing winds that blow in the Hadley cell?
the Trade Winds
Which moves faster, the Global Conveyor Belt, or Surface Currents?
surface currents
The Coriolis Effect causes winds to curve to the ____ in the Northern Hemisphere.
left
right
What is the rain called that falls on the windward side of a mountain?
relief rain
The Coriolis Effect causes winds to curve to the ____ in the Southern Hemisphere.
right
left
Name the organism at the base of the ocean's food chain.
phytoplankton
What is the dry side of the mountain called?
leeward side
windward side
What is specific heat?
How much heat energy is needed to raise 1 gram of a substance 1 degree Celsius
What is thermohaline circulation?
Water movements drive by differences in density.
What is the main cause of Coriolis Effect?
wind
gravity
Earth's rotation
temperature
Which cell is located at letter B?
Ferrel
Hadley
Polar
Which is denser, fresh water or salt water?
salt water
How could a change in salinity affect the global conveyor belt?
It could stop the global conveyor belt. Warmer, less dense water won't be dense enough to sink.
What drives the global conveyor belt?
density differences in the water
What is a rain shadow?
A dry area on the side of a mountain opposite to the wind.
What is the Coriolis Effect?
movement of wind and water to the right or left caused by the Earth's rotation
Name the three circulation cells that surround the Earth.
Hadley Cell, Ferrel Cell, Polar Cell
What is a gyre?
A circular system of current moving in the same direction.