GSC 103 Study Guide - Final Guide: Uniola Paniculata, Longshore Drift, Beach Nourishment

• School: University of Miami
• Department: Geological Sciences
• Course: GSC 103
• Professor: P E T E R L E E C H

Document Summary

Study guide 19: ocean circulation: ekman spiral and ekman transport (or flow) Ekman spiral- structure of currents or winds near a horizontal boundary in which the flow direction rotates as one moves away from the boundary. Ekman transport-net motion of fluid as the result of a balance between coriolis and turbulent drag forces: upwelling at coasts. Winds blowing across the ocean surface push surface water away. Water then rises up from beneath the surface to replace the water that was pushed away: ocean gyres gyre is any large system of circulating ocean currents, particularly those involved with large wind movements. Gyres are caused by the coriolis effect: conservation of angular momentum and eastern and western boundary currents. Eastern boundary currents- slow, cool currents which move towards the equator. Western boundary currents- warm, fast currents which move towards the pole: sea surface temperatures, the mixed layer, and the thermocline. Sst- is higher at the equator and lower near the poles.