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How do differences in density cause currents to flow both in the surface waters of the ocean and in the bottom waters of the ocean?
Wiki User
∙ 2014-08-26 18:15:02
The differing densities of water create a consistent movement between the various thermal layers. As water is cooled, it actually expands, so it rises, and as it is warmed it sinks.
Wiki User
∙ 2014-08-26 18:15:02
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What is the most direct cause of major surface ocean currents?
The correct answer is differences in temperature *and* differences in salinity between the tropic and polar regions. However in the tropic regions the currents are started by the prevailing winds. And in the polar region the more saline and therefore, denser waters in the current sink to the bottom, which of course is caused by gravity.
How do convection currents contribute to eutrophication?
Some of the substances that give rise to eutrophication in a system naturally settle to the bottom. However, convection currents can bring them closer to the surface again.
What causes the global convection current between the equator and the poles.?
Surface currents are caused by wind, and affected by the rotation of the Earth and the gravity of the moon (tides). When the oceans are deep, convection within the layers can also affect the flow of currents. * While wind currents are greatly affected by uneven heating of the Earth's surface, there is no corresponding heating of the ocean bottom by the Sun. So currents do not form spontaneously at depth.
What cause the global convection current between the equation and the poles?
Surface currents are caused by wind, and affected by the rotation of the Earth and the gravity of the moon (tides). When the oceans are deep, convection within the layers can also affect the flow of currents. * While wind currents are greatly affected by uneven heating of the Earth's surface, there is no corresponding heating of the ocean bottom by the Sun. So currents do not form spontaneously at depth.
What caused the global convection current between the equator and the poles?
Surface currents are caused by wind, and affected by the rotation of the Earth and the gravity of the moon (tides). When the oceans are deep, convection within the layers can also affect the flow of currents. * While wind currents are greatly affected by uneven heating of the Earth's surface, there is no corresponding heating of the ocean bottom by the Sun. So currents do not form spontaneously at depth.
Currents are mainley caused by?
Surface ocean currents are mainly wind-driven and occur in all of the world's oceans. Examples of large surface currents that move across vast expanses of ocean are the Gulf Stream, the North Atlantic Current, the California Current, the Atlantic South Equatorial Current, and the Westwind Drift. --- Vertical and ocean-bottom currents are mainly driven by density differences caused by changes in temperature and salinity.
What factors include the direction of ocean currents?
The factors that can modify the currents are direction and shape of coastlines, bottom reliefs of the ocean basins, seasonal variations and rotation of the earth. Ocean circulation is driven by winds and by differences in water density
How do differences in density cause currents to flow both in the surface waters of the ocean and in in the bottom waters of the ocean?
The differing densities of water create a consistent movement between the various thermal layers. As water is cooled, it actually expands, so it rises, and as it is warmed it sinks.
How do differences in density cause currents to flow both in the surface waters of the oceans and in the bottom waters of the ocean?
The differing densities of water create a consistent movement between the various thermal layers. As water is cooled, it actually expands, so it rises, and as it is warmed it sinks.
What causes deep ocean currents currents?
The relationship between the density of ocean water and the formation of deep currents. Differences in the temperature and salinity and the resulting differences in density cause variations in the movement of deep currents. For example, the deepest current, the Antarctic Bottom Water, is denser than the North Atlantic Deep Water. Both currents spread out across the ocean floor as they flow toward each other. Because less dense water always flows on top of denser water, the North Atlantic Deep Water flows on top of the Antarctic Bottom Water when the currents meet. Any other suggestions for questions? E-mail ncmulkey@bellsouth.net
What causes water currents?
Surface ocean currents are mainly wind-driven and occur in all of the world's oceans. Examples of large surface currents that move across vast expanses of ocean are the Gulf Stream, the North Atlantic Current, the California Current, the Atlantic South Equatorial Current, and the Westwind Drift. Associated with surface currents are counter-surface and underlying currents. Surface ocean currents are deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere due to the Coriolis effect. The Coriolis effect holds that because the Earth is spinning, surface waters move in a clockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and in a counterclockwise direction in the Southern Hemisphere. The currents eventually come into contact with the continents which deflect them, creating giant oceanic current circles known as gyres. Vertical and ocean-bottom currents are mainly driven by density differences caused by changes in temperature and salinity. Originating in polar regions, cold, salty waters sink to the ocean bottom and move toward the opposite poles where they again surface. Vertical upwelling currents can also be caused by winds "blowing off" a coastline. The displaced waters are then replaced by underlying bottom waters. Currents are important to marine life as they help to move food and nutrients, making them available for photosynthesis, metabolic requirements and/or consumption.
What is the most direct cause of major surface ocean currents?
The correct answer is differences in temperature *and* differences in salinity between the tropic and polar regions. However in the tropic regions the currents are started by the prevailing winds. And in the polar region the more saline and therefore, denser waters in the current sink to the bottom, which of course is caused by gravity.
Name three density currents that form in the polar regions?
The Antarctic Bottom Water, North Atlantic Deep Water, and Antarctic Intermediate Water are three density currents that form in polar regions.
How do differences indensity cause currents to flow both in the surface waters of the ocean and in the bottom waters of the ocean?
As water is on top of the ocean, wind pushes it along, creating a current. As it warms, it interacts with lower colder waters, pulling them along with it. As water cools, it rises and this interaction creates ocean currents.
How do convection currents contribute to eutrophication?
Some of the substances that give rise to eutrophication in a system naturally settle to the bottom. However, convection currents can bring them closer to the surface again.
Where are the densest waters found Why Name three density currents that form in the polar regions?
polar regions.because of cooling and freezing.the Antarctic Bottom Water, North Atlantic Deep Water, and Antarctic Intermediate Water are three density currents that form in polar regions.
Flow meters are not used to measure bottom currents why?
Bottom currents move too slow.
