QUIZ 9 – Wind-Driven Currents: Reflective Questions
Science
Your essay answer should be clear and succinct, amounting to perhaps 3-5 sentences totaling 50 to 80 words; longer essays are strongly discouraged.
OPEN ENDED- Question 1:Why does convergence of ocean waters occur at latitudes of 20-40°N, and how does this process affect the pattern of ocean circulation in the North Atlantic?
A strong answer will describe the role of prevailing winds in generating Ekman transport of ocean waters and how that process, in concert with the Coriolis force, results in geostrophic flow that controls the movement of water in ocean currents within the North Atlantic.
Question 2: Which three of the following ocean regions are characterized by upwelling? Select the three correct answers from the seven options.
Question 3: Which of the following combination of processes is involved in geostrophic flow that leads to the formation of central gyres in each of the five major ocean basins?
Question 4: Wind-driven movement of water influenced by the Coriolis force produces net Ekman transport of water in what direction relative to the wind? (Remember that Ekman transport involves the movement of the entire surface ocean – net water transport – not just the surface current.)
