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Chapter 18: Problem 8

The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. What factors control the direction of surface currents in the ocean? What is the Coriolis effect, and how does it affect oceanic circulation? Explain thermohaline circulation. (C)

Short Answer

Expert verified
Surface currents in the ocean are primarily controlled by wind and the Coriolis effect, which results from the Earth's rotation. The Coriolis effect causes moving objects in the Northern Hemisphere to be deflected to the right and those in the Southern Hemisphere to the left, influencing the direction of surface currents and contributing to the formation of gyres. Thermohaline circulation refers to the process of oceanic circulation driven by differences in water density due to temperature and salinity variations. This process creates a global network of deep ocean currents that help redistribute heat throughout the Earth's oceans, playing a crucial role in regulating global climate.

Step by step solution

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1. Factors Controlling the Direction of Surface Currents in the Ocean

Surface currents in the ocean are primarily controlled by two factors: wind and the Coriolis effect. Wind drives the ocean's surface flow by transferring energy from the atmosphere to the water; the friction between the wind and the water's surface moves the water in the direction of the wind. The Coriolis effect, which results from the Earth's rotation, influences the direction of this surface flow.
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2. The Coriolis Effect

The Coriolis effect is an essential factor affecting oceanic circulation. It occurs due to the Earth's rotation, which causes objects moving in a rotating system to experience a force acting perpendicular to their direction of motion. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect deflects moving objects to the right, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it deflects them to the left. This deflection, combined with the direction of wind-driven surface flow, influences the overall direction of oceanic surface currents.
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3. The Coriolis Effect's Impact on Oceanic Circulation

The Coriolis effect affects oceanic circulation by influencing the direction of surface currents. Due to the Coriolis effect, ocean surface currents in the Northern Hemisphere tend to rotate clockwise in large circular patterns called gyres, while surface currents in the Southern Hemisphere tend to rotate counterclockwise. This has a significant impact on the overall patterns of oceanic circulation, including the formation of well-known currents such as the Gulf Stream, Kuroshio Current, and Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
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4. Thermohaline Circulation

Thermohaline circulation refers to the process of oceanic circulation driven by differences in water density due to variations in temperature and salinity. When water cools and becomes denser or increases in salinity and thus density, it sinks, while the less dense, warmer, and fresher water rises. This process creates a global network of deep ocean currents that helps redistribute heat throughout the Earth's oceans and plays a crucial role in regulating global climate. The sinking of cold and dense water at high latitudes and the subsequent upwelling of warmer water at lower latitudes drives the cycle of thermohaline circulation, influencing the planet's overall oceanic circulation patterns.

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