Ocean Circulation Overview

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to ocean circulation, including surface and deep currents, mechanisms driving movement, and factors influencing ocean dynamics.

Surface Currents

Water movement in the upper approximately 100 meters of the ocean, primarily driven by wind.

Deep Currents

Water movement that occurs deeper than 100 meters in the ocean, primarily driven by differences in density.

Coriolis Effect

The deflection of moving air and water due to Earth's rotation, causing winds and currents to curve.

Convection Cell

A circulating cell of air or water driven by temperature differences; warm air rises and cold air sinks.

Hadley Cells

Convection cells that exist between the equator and 30 degrees latitude, causing warm air to rise and cool air to sink.

Ferrel Cells

Convection cells located between 30 and 60 degrees latitude, facilitating the movement of air between these latitudes.

Polar Cells

Convection cells at the poles, moving cold air from the poles towards lower latitudes.

Thermohaline Circulation

The global conveyor belt of deep ocean currents driven by temperature (thermo) and salinity (haline) differences.

Density of Water

The mass of water per unit volume, influenced by temperature and salinity.

Salinity

The concentration of dissolved salts in water; higher salinity increases water density.