Surface Ocean Circulation

Pressure Gradient Force

Air moves from areas of high pressure toward areas of low pressure.

Coriolis Effect

Causes distinct wind patterns at various latitudes.

Tropical Easterlies

Northeasterly Tradewinds and Southeasterly winds.

Hadley Cell

A circulation cell located between 0-30 degrees latitude.

Mid-Latitude or 'Ferrell' Cell

A circulation cell located approximately between 30-60 degrees latitude.

Polar Cell

A circulation cell located approximately between 60-90 degrees latitude.

Doldrums

The area of rising air at the equator, characterized by low pressure and high precipitation.

Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

The location of the ITCZ shifts throughout the year, contributing to regional weather patterns.

Surface Ocean Circulation

Occurs in the oceanic mixed layer, where turbulence has homogenized the surface ocean.

Ekman Transport

Wind initiates the movement of surface water, with net movement at 90 degrees to the wind direction.

Gyres

Large, circular surface currents that are stable over long periods.

North Pacific Gyre

One of the five main ocean gyres.

South Pacific Gyre

One of the five main ocean gyres.

North Atlantic Gyre

One of the five main ocean gyres.

South Atlantic Gyre

One of the five main ocean gyres.

Indian Ocean Gyre

One of the five main ocean gyres.

Geostrophic Currents

Formed when the pressure gradient force is balanced by the Coriolis effect.

Dynamic Topography

Shows the effect of 'bulging' in the subtropical gyres.

Western Intensification

Domes of water compressed on the western side of subtropical gyres, leading to greater slope and kinetic energy.

Western Boundary Currents

Move along the western boundaries of oceans, are stronger, deeper, and warmer.

Eastern Boundary Currents

Weaker, shallower, and cooler currents.

Wind Bands

Moving air caused by differences in air pressure within our atmosphere.

What causes wind bands?

Wind bands are caused by moving air resulting from differences in air pressure within the atmosphere.

How does the difference in air pressure affect wind speed?

The greater the difference in pressure, the faster the air flows.

What is the Coriolis effect?

The Coriolis effect causes distinct wind patterns at various latitudes.

Name the three main types of wind bands.

Tropical Easterlies, Westerlies, and Polar Easterlies.

What role does wind play in oceanic circulation?

Wind plays a critical role in the circulation of oceanic surface waters.