the jet stream and ocean currents the jet stream and ocean currents earth science mr. cloud
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The Jet Stream and The Jet Stream and Ocean CurrentsOcean Currents
Earth Science Earth Science
Mr. Cloud Mr. Cloud
Prevailing Winds Prevailing Winds
Winds that blow from a certain Winds that blow from a certain compass direction for a large part compass direction for a large part of the yearof the year
Affected by Earth’s rotation Affected by Earth’s rotation (Coriolis Effect)(Coriolis Effect)
Otherwise known as Otherwise known as planetary planetary windswinds..
Example: prevailing westerlies Example: prevailing westerlies
In summer, the sun’s intensity is greatest over Asia. This creates a region of low pressure that rises from the land, sinks to the ocean, and brings extreme moisture in its return.
In winter, insolation has its greatest intensity south of the equator. This creates a region of low pressure that rises from the south, sinks over Asia, and brings dry, cool weather to the region.
Jet streams follow the boundaries between hot and cold air.
The 50°-60° N/S region is where the polar jet is located with the subtropical jet located around 30°N.
Temperature changes the greatest in these areas causing extreme differences in air pressure.
As the difference in temperature between the two locations increase, the strength of the wind increases
General Location of the Polar and General Location of the Polar and Subtropical Jet Stream in Summer (N. Subtropical Jet Stream in Summer (N.
Hemisphere)Hemisphere)
What causesWhat causes Ocean Currents to Ocean Currents to
flow?flow? Break it down!Break it down! Earth is sphericalEarth is spherical causes uneven heating of the Earthcauses uneven heating of the Earth causes convection in the tropospherecauses convection in the troposphere establishes Earth’s pressure beltsestablishes Earth’s pressure belts produces prevailing windsproduces prevailing winds drags upon the ocean’s surface drags upon the ocean’s surface
causing the water to move! causing the water to move!
Types of Ocean Types of Ocean Currents Currents Cold CurrentCold Current originate in polar regions and flow originate in polar regions and flow
towards the equatortowards the equator Warm currentWarm current originate in equatorial regions originate in equatorial regions
and flow towards the polesand flow towards the poles
Ocean Currents: What Ocean Currents: What direction do they flow?direction do they flow? Northern HemisphereNorthern Hemisphere: : clockwiseclockwise
Southern HemisphereSouthern Hemisphere:: counterclockwisecounterclockwise