Sun’s Energy/Ocean Currents & Wind 8.10 The student knows that climactic interactions exist among Earth, ocean, and weather systems. The student is expected to: (A) recognize that the Sun provides the energy that drives convection within the atmosphere and the oceans, producing winds and ocean currents.

Radiant Energy The Sun’s energy is called radiant energy. The Sun’s energy is responsible for the movement of air in the atmosphere (wind) and the oceans (currents). HOW? Through a process called CONVECTION.

Radiant Energy Radiant energy drives CONVECTION within the atmosphere and the oceans. CONVECTION is the process of heat transfer in liquids (in the ocean) and air (in the atmosphere). Energy is transported and redistributed all over the Earth.

Exploring Convection Part 1 Exploring Convection Part 1 Exploring Convection Part 2 Exploring Convection Part 2 Convection Demos

Convection Everyday

Wind Differences in density/air pressure cause movement of air, which is wind.Differences in density/air pressure cause movement of air, which is wind. Winds are caused by the uneven heating of the Earth’s surface (Equator vs. Poles)Winds are caused by the uneven heating of the Earth’s surface (Equator vs. Poles) Warmer air is less dense (has less pressure) than cooler air.Warmer air is less dense (has less pressure) than cooler air. High pressure/more dense (cooler) air pushes low pressure/less dense (warm) air.High pressure/more dense (cooler) air pushes low pressure/less dense (warm) air. The greater the difference in pressure, the faster the wind blows.The greater the difference in pressure, the faster the wind blows.

There are 2 types of winds: Global and LocalThere are 2 types of winds: Global and Local Convection currents on a large scale produce global winds.Convection currents on a large scale produce global winds. Types of Winds

Atmosphericcirculation and the Coriolis Effect create global wind patterns. Global Winds

Earth’s curved surface causes some parts of Earth to receive the Sun’s rays more directly than other parts. As the warmer air over the equator rises, colder air from the poles rushes toward the equator to take its place. This steady exchange of warm and cold air that occurs between the equator and the poles produces global wind belts. Atmospheric Circulation

The Earth rotates on its axis, so circulating air is deflected or turns.The Earth rotates on its axis, so circulating air is deflected or turns. This means that air deflects in a clockwise motion in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere, resulting in curved paths.This means that air deflects in a clockwise motion in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere, resulting in curved paths. This deflection is known as the Coriolis Effect.This deflection is known as the Coriolis Effect. The Coriolis Effect

Merry Go Round Simulation Merry Go Round Simulation Coriolis Effect Animation Coriolis Effect Animation The Coriolis Effect: Click below!

Local Winds Convection currents on a small scale produce local winds.

Local Winds Small-scale convection currents cause local winds on the coast and in the mountains. Blow over a much smaller area and change direction and speed over a shorter period of time than global winds. There are 2 types of local winds: sea breezes and land breezes.

Sea Breeze (Daytime) Sea Breeze

Land Breeze (Nighttime) Land Breeze

How the Oceans Transport Energy The ocean transports energy from the Sun around the globe. HOW?The ocean transports energy from the Sun around the globe. HOW? To understand this, you have to learn more about ocean currents and wind.To understand this, you have to learn more about ocean currents and wind. There are 2 types of ocean currents: surface currents and deep currents.There are 2 types of ocean currents: surface currents and deep currents.

Surface Ocean Currents Surface ocean currents transport thermal energy from the tropics (Equator) to the poles.Surface ocean currents transport thermal energy from the tropics (Equator) to the poles. Surface ocean currents are caused by winds.Surface ocean currents are caused by winds. The wind blows…it moves the water!!The wind blows…it moves the water!!

Deep Ocean Currents Deep ocean currents are caused by two things: differences in temperature of the water and salinity of the water (how salty it is).Deep ocean currents are caused by two things: differences in temperature of the water and salinity of the water (how salty it is). These differences set convection in motion, causing energy to be moved deep within the ocean all over the globe.These differences set convection in motion, causing energy to be moved deep within the ocean all over the globe.

Density Currents More dense water sinks and pushes up less dense water. This moves water around globe.