EARTHSS 3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Downwelling, Pycnocline, Ocean Current
10 Feb 2019
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Document Summary
Surface ocean circulation continued: be able to describe/explain/or draw diagrams to illustrate the formation of subtropical gyres, subpolar gyres, and equatorial currents. Subpolar not as big or important as subtropical gyres. Equatorial currents: water moves with easterly trade winds; not affected by the coloruis effect. Equatorial counter currents: more against wind to balance flows: be able to predict whether a coastline will be warm/humid or cold/dry based on patterns of ocean currents. Warm currents from equator to pole= warmer and more humid climates. Cold currents from the pole to equator= cooler and drier climates. Eastern australia b/c of the warm water allow more evaporation: be able to describe/explain why upwelling or downwelling affect the amount of life in the surface ocean. Upwelling: water moving up; movement of deeper water to surface. Downwelling: water moving down; movement of surface water to deeper ocean. Upwelling will bring the nutrients to the surface of the ocean.
