Temperature Differences of Land & Water Land heats & cools more quickly than water. Temperature fluxuations for land are greater than water. N. Hemisphere = 39% land S. Hemisphere = 19% land. What does this indicate? 1
Temperature Differences with Geography In California, wind blows mainly from water to land & temperatures stay relatively consistent. In New York, wind blows mainly from land & temperatures change frequently. 2
ascending warm air descending cold air SEA BREEZE descending cold air ascending warm air LAND BREEZE
Ocean Currents basic terminology Gyre = Giant whirl of circular movement in an ocean basin. Deep currents= Form due to changes in density. Changes in density are due to differences in Temp and salinity. Surface currents= caused by the friction of the wind blowing over the ocean surface. Upwelling= Rising of cold water from deeper layers to replace warmer surface water
Density Salinity and Temperature affect density
Salinity What is the Salinity of water? Ocean salinity is generally defined as the salt concentration in sea water
Upwelling = Rising of cold water from deeper layers to replace warmer surface water This brings nutrients to the surface and this creates an excellent food chain for great fisheries!
Thermohaline Circulation Global Conveyor Belt Also called: Thermohaline Circulation Definition: A constantly moving worldwide circulation of ocean waters driven by temperature and salinity differences. This influences climates around the globe. As waters near the equator heat up and evaporate, the salinity increases which starts the entire process. Surface currents tend to be warmer waters which are less dense. As waters reach the poles they cool down and become more dense which further drives the process.