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

Author Question: What is surface ocean circulation primarily driven by? What will be an ideal ... (Read 71 times)

jilianpiloj

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 521
What is surface ocean circulation primarily driven by?
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What effect does the formation of sea ice in polar regions have on the density of seawater?
 
  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

macagn

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 345
Answer to Question 1

Answer: The wind. As winds blow across the ocean, frictional forces set the surface water into motion. The Coriolis force and interface with the land act to modify the circulation, but the driving force is the wind.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: When seawater in polar regions freezes only the water freezes, the salt is left behind. The surrounding seawater experiences an increase in salinity, which brings an increase in density. The cold, denser, saltier seawater sinks, producing a pattern of vertical movement. Movement is also horizontal as cold dense water flows along the bottom to the deeper parts of the ocean floor.




macagn

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 345

 

Did you know?

Thyroid conditions may make getting pregnant impossible.

Did you know?

The people with the highest levels of LDL are Mexican American males and non-Hispanic black females.

Did you know?

Carbamazepine can interfere with the results of home pregnancy tests. If you are taking carbamazepine, do not try to test for pregnancy at home.

Did you know?

Looking at the sun may not only cause headache and distort your vision temporarily, but it can also cause permanent eye damage. Any exposure to sunlight adds to the cumulative effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation on your eyes. UV exposure has been linked to eye disorders such as macular degeneration, solar retinitis, and corneal dystrophies.

Did you know?

Nitroglycerin is used to alleviate various heart-related conditions, and it is also the chief component of dynamite (but mixed in a solid clay base to stabilize it).

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library