Ocean Circulation and Marine Environments

These flashcards cover key concepts related to ocean circulation, marine environments, and weather phenomena discussed in the lecture.

What percentage of Earth's water is contained in the oceans?

Approximately 97.5% of all water on Earth.

What drives deep ocean circulation?

Temperature and salinity gradients.

What is the El Nino phenomenon?

A climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

What is the main effect of hurricanes on coastal areas?

Hurricanes can cause storm surges, wind damage, heavy rain, and inland flooding.

What is the Saffir-Simpson Scale used for?

It categorizes hurricanes based on their wind speed and potential for damage.

Define wave refraction.

The bending of waves as they approach the shore, affecting energy concentration and erosion.

What are barrier islands?

Coastal landforms that typically form parallel to the mainland, often as a result of sediment deposition.

What are the two types of continental margins?

Passive margins and active margins.

What are the characteristics of the oceanic zone?

The oceanic zone includes deep ocean waters beyond the continental shelf.

What is the primary function of satellites in hurricane detection?

Satellites monitor storm systems, measure wind speeds, and identify cloud development.