the atmosphere, the oceans, and weather
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The Atmosphere, The Oceans, and Weather. Unit 9 – Part C. Oceanic Circulation. Major movement of seawater results from: Wind-driven surface currents. Density-driven deep-water currents. Density is controlled by two things: Temperature Salinity. Oceanic Circulation. Salinity: - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
The Atmosphere, The Oceans, and Weather
Unit 9 – Part C
Oceanic Circulation• Major movement of seawater results
from:– Wind-driven surface currents.– Density-driven deep-water currents.
– Density is controlled by two things:• Temperature• Salinity
Oceanic Circulation• Salinity:
– The amount of dissolved salts in seawater.
– Measured as the mass of salts dissolved in 1000 grams of seawater.
– Overall balance is maintained when:• Evaporation is offset by precipitation.• Runoff and Ice formation is offset by ice
melting.
Oceanic Circulation• Surface Currents:
– Frictional forces set surface waters into motion with wind
– Gyre: surface waters to spiral in a circular whirl pattern.• Clockwise in Northern Hemisphere and
Counter Clockwise in Southern Hemisphere.
Oceanic Circulation• Deep-Water Currents:
– Deep water flows because dense water sinks.
• Density increases with the increase of salt.– Colder and saltier water is the most
dense and sinks.