HigherAtmosphere

Ocean Currents [Date]

Today I will: - Know what Oceans Currents are- Be able to explain how they re-distribute energy across the globe

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If the earth continually received too much insolation at the tropics and too little

insolation at the poles the tropics would overheat and the poles would get colder

and colder. Rather, ocean currents redistribute the energy around the world.

The process of ocean currents re-distributing the energy is called

oceanic circulation.

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Oceans:- Average depth: 12,400m- Very dark- Highly pressurised

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Warm water is transferred from the

tropics

Cold water is transferred from the

poles

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Continents deflect the currents to create

gyres.

The coriolis force deflects the ocean

currents clockwise in the north and anti-

clockwise in the south

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Neatly mark the currents onto your map of the world. Annotate it fully.

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Explain how the Oceans help re-distribute energy across the globe:

IntroductionWarm water expands and cold water contracts and therefore warm water move towards colder areas [1]. In addition, as cold water is denser than warm water, the cold water sinks away from the poles and spreads towards the equator [1]. The Coriolis effect deflects the currents clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and anti-clockwise in the southern Hemisphere [1]. They are obstructed by continents and can loop forming Gyres [1].

Case Study: Atlantic OceanIn the North Atlantic a clockwise loop or gyre is formed with warm water from the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf Stream) travelling northwards [1]. Prevailing south westerlies drag the current further North East [1]. Colder water moves southwards e.g. the Canaries Current [1].

In the South Atlantic, water moves the opposite way than from the North [1]. Water moves Southwards as the Brazilian current and is deflected left by the Coriolis force [1]. This movement of warm and cold water helps to maintain the energy balance [1].