Lesson 9 - The Sea Surface: The Great Heat Distributor Review

Vocabulary flashcards based on the Lesson 9 review sheet covering sea surface temperatures, isolines, ocean currents, wind patterns, and mechanisms of heat transfer.

sea surface temperature (SST)

The temperature of the top layer of the ocean surface, measured using tools such as buoys and satellite radiometers.

JPSS

Joint Polar Satellite System; a satellite tool used to collect sea surface temperature (SST) measurements by measuring energy.

buoy

An ocean-based floating instrument used as a tool to collect sea surface temperature (SST) measurements.

radiometer

An instrument used to measure energy and collect sea surface temperature (SST) data.

isolines

Lines drawn on a map that connect points of equal value, such as isotherms and isobars.

isotherms

A type of isoline that connects points of equal temperature on a map.

isobars

A type of isoline that connects points of equal atmospheric pressure on a map.

current

A continuous, directed movement of gas (wind current) or liquid (sea surface current).

convection

A process of heat transfer that contributes to the formation of currents in both a gas (wind currents) and a liquid (sea surface currents).

conduction

A method of heat transfer through direct contact between physical materials.

radiation

A method of heat transfer through electromagnetic waves.

heat capacity

The physical property describing the heat energy required to change the temperature of a substance.

prevailing winds

Winds that blow predominantly in a particular direction and drive the movement of surface currents.

trade winds

A type of prevailing wind blowing in tropical regions toward the equator.

prevailing westerlies

A type of prevailing wind blowing from the west in mid-latitude regions.

Coriolis Effect

The phenomenon caused by Earth's rotation that deflects and plays a role in Earth's air and ocean currents.

gyre

A large circular ocean current system formed by prevailing winds and the Coriolis Effect.

surface current

An ocean current moving at the sea surface, strongly influenced by prevailing winds and convection.

Gulf Stream

A major ocean surface current that plays a critical role in Earth's heat distribution.