GS106 Objectives

Currents

 

1)  What, in general, is a current?

 

Understand the difference between surface currents and deep ocean currents with regards to the mechanisms that drive them and what regions of the oceans are affected by them. Use the following to help focus this difference

 

1)  What is the mechanism that drives surface currents?

 

2)  What are two controls on surface currents that cause them to create gyres or rotational circulation patterns in the oceans?

 

3)  Know that the current that flows along the OR coast in the summer is called the California current and flows to the south along the coast of the NW. In the winter, this current moves to the west slightly and is more out to sea as the winds shift and the Davidson current moves in.  Is the California current a cold water or warm water current?

 

4)  Know that the current that flows along the OR coast in the winter is called the Davidson current and it is flowing to the north along the NW coast. Is this a cold water or warm water current?

 

5)  How/why do the California and the Davidson current affect the erosion/deposition of the NW beaches? 

 

6)  Know where the Gulf Stream current is located and where the Canary Current is located

 

7)  Why does the west wind drift current not create a gyre and what is the effect on Antarctica.

 

8)  What is the Coriolis Effect and what parts of the earth system does it act on.

 

9)  Know what direction large fluid bodies turn in the N. Hemisphere and S. Hemisphere and given a diagram be able to draw this motion.

 

10)  Know what the following are:

            Thermocline,  Halocline, Pycnocline

 

11)  Be able to predict relative temperatures and salinity of ocean water based on latitudes and be able to explain why there are variations.

 

12)  What is Thermohaline circulation and what parts of the ocean are affected by it?

 

END OF LECTURE ON 5/6/10

 

13)  Understand what the Ekman Spiral is, how it forms and how it contributes to the topography of the ocean’s gyres

 

14)   What is upwelling, what causes it, and where is it generally located?

 

15)  Understand the relative difference between the Euphotic zone, Dysphoric zone and Aphotic zones of the oceans

 

16)  Know the basic differences between the intertidal life zone, the pelagic life zone, the benthic life zone and the mid ocean ridges with regards to the general type of life forms found in each and the characteristics of each with regards to temperature, salinity and light availability.

 

17)  What causes the El Nino effect/

 

18)  What is the general reason for the West Coast Dead Zones?