Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 6: Problem 26

Define the western intensification. How is it related to the Gulf Stream and the Kuroshio Current?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Western intensification refers to the strengthening of ocean currents on the western side of an ocean basin due to the Earth's rotation. Both the Gulf Stream and the Kuroshio Current represent this phenomenon, being powerful, warm, and deep currents found along the western boundaries of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans respectively.

Step by step solution

01

Define Western Intensification

Western Intensification refers to the phenomenon observed in the major oceanic currents where the currents on the western side of an ocean basin are stronger and deeper than those on the eastern side. It's primarily due to the rotation of the Earth, also known as the Coriolis Effect.
02

Understand the Gulf Stream

The Gulf Stream is a warm and swift Atlantic ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico, exits through the Strait of Florida, and follows the eastern coastlines of the United States and Newfoundland before crossing the Atlantic Ocean.
03

Understand the Kuroshio Current

The Kuroshio Current is a western boundary current in the western north Pacific Ocean, off the east coast of Taiwan and flowing northeastward past Japan, where it merges with the easterly drift of the North Pacific Current. It is analogous to the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic Ocean.
04

Relation between Western Intensification and the two currents

Both the Gulf Stream and the Kuroshio Current are examples of the phenomenon of western intensification. Due to the rotation of the Earth, the western boundary currents like the Gulf Stream and the Kuroshio Current are intensified, leading to them being narrower, deeper, warmer, and faster than their eastern counterparts.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

What does an isobaric map of surface air pressure portray? Contrast pressures over North America for January and July.

People living along coastlines generally experience variations in winds from day to night. Explain the factors that produce these changing wind patterns.

How is the constant isobaric surface (ridges and troughs) related to surface pressure systems? To divergence aloft and surface lows? To convergence aloft and surface highs?

What is the relation among the Aleutian low, the Icelandic low, and migratory low-pressure cyclonic storms in North America? In Europe?

How does air exert pressure? Describe the basic instrument used to measure air pressure. Compare the operation of two different types of instruments discussed.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Geography Textbooks

River Landscapes

Read Explanation

Globalisation

Read Explanation

Water Cycle

Read Explanation

Glaciated Landscapes

Read Explanation

Coasts Geography

Read Explanation

Living World

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free