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By using the wind and ocean currents, sailors saved time and effort by letting the wind do the steering. The winds in the Atlantic went in a clockwise circle, and by riding in that circle, they were able to complete journeys much faster, without having to fight winds. http:/www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/eurvoya/map.html this link might help some.
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Currents are caused by the Moon's gravity?
currents are generated by the forces acting upon the ocean, such as breaking waves, wind, Coriolis force, temperature, salinity differences and tides caused by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun. Depth contours, shoreline configurations and interaction with other currents influence a current's direction and strength.
What drives ocean currents?
Ocean currents are primarily driven by a combination of wind, temperature, salinity, and the Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect). The wind plays a significant role in creating surface currents, while differences in temperature and salinity drive deeper currents through processes like thermohaline circulation. The Coriolis effect influences the direction of ocean currents based on the Earth's rotation.
How does wind affect ocean currents?
Wind affects ocean currents by transferring its energy to the surface of the water. Strong winds can cause surface water to move, creating surface currents. These currents can then influence deeper ocean currents through a process known as Ekman transport, where the surface movement drags water below it in a spiral pattern.
What causes upwelling?
Wind
Upwelling and downwelling?
Upwelling is caused by currents on the surface. When water moves from the bottom of the ocean towards the surface it is called upwelling. Downwelling is when more dense water sinks. This process moves nutrients back to the deep part of the ocean.
How do oceans influence wind speed and direction?
The ocean does not influence wind speed and direction. The currents in the ocean are caused by wind speed and direction. The tides in the ocean are influenced by the phases of the moon.
How do the oceans influence wind speed direction?
The ocean does not influence wind speed and direction. The currents in the ocean are caused by wind speed and direction. The tides in the ocean are influenced by the phases of the moon.
How does the wind affect ocean currents?
Wind can impact ocean currents by transferring energy to the surface of the water, causing it to move in the direction of the wind. This creates surface currents that can influence the direction and speed of deeper ocean currents. Strong winds over a large area can lead to the formation of powerful currents, such as the Gulf Stream.
Are ocean currents convection radiation or conduction?
Ocean currents are primarily driven by a combination of convection and wind patterns. Convection currents are created by the temperature differences in the water, causing warm water to rise and cold water to sink. Wind patterns also influence the direction and strength of ocean currents. Radiation and conduction do not play significant roles in the formation of ocean currents.
Do ocean waters and winds help to distribute the suns heat?
Wind and ocean currents are both produced by the Earth's unequal heating. This leads to the conclusion that the Sun is the main component in wind currents and ocean currents, because the Sun is what heats the Earth.
How are ocean currents like wind currents?
Both ocean currents and wind currents are fluid movements caused by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface. They both redistribute heat and nutrients around the globe, affecting local climates and ecosystems. Additionally, they both follow specific patterns and can influence weather patterns.
What are causes of the ocean currents?
The two causes of ocean currents are wind and the rotation of the earth(etc) The wind blows which makes the currents in the water and the rotation of the earth(gravity) makes currents in the ocean currents. Luaye Sharawy
Where does the energy for wind and ocean currents come from?
The energy for wind and ocean currents primarily comes from the sun. Solar radiation heats the Earth's surface unevenly, creating temperature differences that lead to changes in air pressure, resulting in wind. Additionally, wind interacts with the ocean's surface, generating currents, while factors like the Earth's rotation and the gravitational pull of the moon also influence ocean currents. Together, these elements drive the movement of air and water across the planet.
What type of current is caused by wind on the oceans surface?
Surface ocean currents are caused by winds. As wind blows across the surface, the wind pulls the water and causes waves.
Are ocean currents similar to wind currents?
Yes, ocean currents are similar to wind currents in that they both move in specific patterns and directions due to various factors like temperature, pressure, and the Earth's rotation. However, ocean currents are driven by a combination of factors including wind, temperature, salinity, and the shape of the ocean floor, while wind currents are driven primarily by differences in atmospheric pressure.
What are ocean currents defined by?
speed and wind
Why did the ocean-going sailboats depend on ocean currents?
currents provide movement in times of little to no wind
