Author Question: Outline the factors that create global surface circulation patterns and describe the patterns ... (Read 222 times)

FButt · **on:** Jul 15, 2018

Outline the factors that create global surface circulation patterns and describe the patterns created.
Where are the cold water currents and where are the warm water currents? How does this moderate
Earths temperature? What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Why must elected official sand city planners of coastal communities understand the geologic processes
of shorelines? What will be an ideal response?

mceravolo · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 15, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Surface currents move east-west with the global wind belts. When they run into a continent they are
deflected by Coriolis effect to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern
Hemisphere. This creates a set of gyres in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. Cold water currents
begin in the polar regions, move toward the equator, then turn along the equator. The sunshine warms
them so that when they move back toward the poles they are warm. These currents bring warmth to the
cooler areas and coolness to the warmer areas, moderating global temperatures.

Answer to Question 2

These people must be familiar with shoreline processes in order to develop policies and zoning
regulations that serve the public while protecting the fragile shoreline environment. Shoreline
communities must realize that shorelines are dynamic environments that are constantly changing.
Also, in most areas, sea level is rising, so buildings that were once safe are now in danger. Hurricanes
and other ocean storms also affect these regions with flooding, fatalities, and widespread property
damage.