Transcript Wind and Currents

Wind and Currents
Motion in the Ocean
Coriolis Effect
• This effect is caused
by the rotation of the
Earth.
• Anything that moves
on the surface tends
to move to one side.
• Winds in the northern
hemisphere blow to
the right and winds in
the southern
hemisphere blow to
the left.
Global Wind Systems
Trade Winds
• Ground-level
winds that
flow toward
the equator
• Air rises at
the equator
and sinks at
30 due to
temperature
differences.
Prevailing Westerlies
• Winds that occur
between 30 and
60 degrees
latitude.
• The air moves
towards the poles
and appears to
curve to the east.
• Causes U.S.
weather patterns.
• Winds that occur
at 60 degrees
latitude.
• They are formed
when the air over
the poles cools
and sinks, flowing
away from the
Earth's poles
toward the west.
Polar Easterlies
Gyres
• Gyres – major surface currents. They help
regulate Earth’s temp by carrying warm
water north and cold water south.
Where do we find Kelp and Coral?
Kelp – found on the eastern side of gyres when
cold water moves toward the equator.
Corals – found on the western side of gyres
when warm water moves northward.
Ekman
Transport
• Ekman Transport –
moves water 90
degrees from the
wind direction.
This mixes ocean
water.