This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: What is the Ekman spiral? Explain why Ekman transport occurs. What will be an ideal ... (Read 237 times)

joesmith1212

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 549
What is the Ekman spiral? Explain why Ekman transport occurs.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What effects does the surface-wind pattern have on the circulation of the oceans?
 
  What will be an ideal response?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

ilianabrrr

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 332
Answer to Question 1

Due to friction between wind and the water surface, some of the kinetic energy of the air is transferred to the top layer of the water. As that layer moves, it drags along the water just below it, which in turn drags along the water just below that, and so on. The water can be thought to move as many thin, coupled layers, and kinetic energy is transferred down the water column. However, as the energy is transferred downward, friction causes some of the energy to be dissipated in the form of heat, so each level moves more slowly than the level above. At some depth below the surface, the effects of the wind-induced movement disappear. However, as each layer moves, it is again subject to the Coriolis Effect. Once a layer starts to move, the water is deflected to the right of the path of the layer above (or the wind path, for the surface layer). This movement is to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. The deeper below the surface, the farther each layer is deflected to the right or left of the surface layer, producing a spiraling effect known as the Ekman spiral. When the movements of all the individual layers of water in the spiral are added, the net direction of transport within the water column is at a right angle (90) to the wind direction. This net movement of water is referred to as Ekman transport.

Answer to Question 2

The movement of the wind over the ocean causes friction at the surface. As a result of this friction, the wind drags the ocean surface with it as it blows, thus setting up a pattern of surface-ocean wind-drift currents.




joesmith1212

  • Member
  • Posts: 549
Reply 2 on: Jul 14, 2018
Gracias!


rleezy04

  • Member
  • Posts: 322
Reply 3 on: Yesterday
Great answer, keep it coming :)

 

Did you know?

Throughout history, plants containing cardiac steroids have been used as heart drugs and as poisons (e.g., in arrows used in combat), emetics, and diuretics.

Did you know?

Bisphosphonates were first developed in the nineteenth century. They were first investigated for use in disorders of bone metabolism in the 1960s. They are now used clinically for the treatment of osteoporosis, Paget's disease, bone metastasis, multiple myeloma, and other conditions that feature bone fragility.

Did you know?

Congestive heart failure is a serious disorder that carries a reduced life expectancy. Heart failure is usually a chronic illness, and it may worsen with infection or other physical stressors.

Did you know?

Malaria was not eliminated in the United States until 1951. The term eliminated means that no new cases arise in a country for 3 years.

Did you know?

Alzheimer's disease affects only about 10% of people older than 65 years of age. Most forms of decreased mental function and dementia are caused by disuse (letting the mind get lazy).

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library