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A gyre in oceanography is any large system of rotating ocean currents, particularly those involved with large wind movements. Gyres are caused by the Coriolis Effect, planetary vorticity along with horizontal and vertical friction, which determine the circulation patterns from the wind curl.

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What four factors determine the location size shape and direction of gyre?

The four factors that determine the location, size, shape, and direction of gyres are Earth's rotation, wind patterns, coastline shape, and water density. These factors contribute to the formation and circulation of gyres in the ocean.


What is difference similiarity currents and gyres?

Currents refer to the continuous flow of water in a particular direction, such as ocean currents that circulate around the globe. Gyres, on the other hand, are large rotating oceanic systems that are caused by the Earth's rotation and the movement of currents. Gyres are a specific type of current pattern that forms circular or spiral-shaped patterns in the ocean.


How does the coriolis effect apply to the movement of gyres?

The Coriolis effect influences the direction of gyres in the oceans by causing the water to deflect to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This deflection is a result of the Earth's rotation and affects the circulation patterns of ocean currents, leading to the formation of large-scale gyres.


What are gyres?

Currents make circular patterns called gyres. The gyres in the nothern hempisphere run clockwise, and the gyres in the Southern hepmisphere run counter clock wise.


How many major Ocean Gyres are there on Earth?

There are five major ocean gyres on Earth, which include the North Atlantic Gyre, South Atlantic Gyre, North Pacific Gyre, South Pacific Gyre, and the Indian Ocean Gyre. These gyres are large systems of circulating ocean currents driven by wind patterns and the Earth's rotation. They play a crucial role in regulating climate, marine ecosystems, and oceanic circulation.


What are gyres and how do they contribute to the formation of garbage patches?

Gyres are large systems of rotating ocean currents, primarily driven by wind patterns and the Earth's rotation. They create areas of relatively stable water, where debris and pollutants can accumulate over time. This accumulation leads to the formation of garbage patches, such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, which are characterized by high concentrations of plastic and other waste materials. The circular motion of gyres effectively traps and concentrates this debris, exacerbating ocean pollution.


Describe the similarities and differences between gyres and currents?

A difference between gyres and currents is that currents are formed by the wind, but gyres are formed by currents.


If south America were not there how would the direction of the South America Equatorial Current alter?

The Atlantic and Pacific Oceans would be one Ocean and the whole global oceanic gyres would alter to accommodate.


What are gyres and what is the difference between gyres in the northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere?

Gyres are large, circular ocean currents that are driven by global wind patterns and the Earth's rotation. They play a crucial role in distributing heat around the planet. The main difference between gyres in the northern and southern hemispheres is their direction of rotation: gyres in the northern hemisphere rotate clockwise, while gyres in the southern hemisphere rotate counterclockwise due to the Coriolis effect caused by the Earth's rotation.


What are the large circular ocean currents that are found in all major oceans are called?

The large circular ocean currents found in all major oceans are called gyres. These gyres are driven by a combination of factors, including the Earth's rotation, winds, and differences in water temperature and salinity. Gyres play a crucial role in distributing heat and nutrients around the globe.


What causes gyres to form?

Gyres are large rotating ocean currents that are primarily caused by a combination of prevailing winds, Earth's rotation (Coriolis effect), and the distribution of continents. These factors work together to create circular patterns of flowing water that can cover thousands of miles in the ocean.


What causes gyres?

Gyres are caused by the combination of ocean currents, wind patterns, the Earth's rotation, and the shape of the ocean basins. These factors work together to create large circulating systems of water that move in a circular pattern within the ocean.