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The Coriolis Effect

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7y ago
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5mo ago

Surface currents are primarily caused by the wind. As wind blows across the surface of the ocean, it creates friction and imparts energy to the water, causing it to move in the same direction as the wind. Other factors, such as the Coriolis effect and differences in water density, can also influence the direction and strength of surface currents.

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Q: What is the primary mechanism which causes surface currents?
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What provides the thermal energy for currents to be formed?

Thermal energy from the sun is the primary driver for the formation of ocean currents. The sun's heat causes water to expand and rise at the equator, creating warm surface currents. As the water moves towards the poles and cools, it becomes denser and sinks, completing the cycle of ocean circulation.


Because of the Coriolis effect surface currents in the Southern Hemisphere are deflected?

The Coriolis effect causes surface currents in the Southern Hemisphere to be deflected to the left. This deflection occurs due to the rotation of the Earth, with the Coriolis force being stronger closer to the poles. As a result, ocean currents in the Southern Hemisphere tend to move in a clockwise direction.


Are convection currents important to continental drift?

Yes, convection currents in Earth's mantle play a significant role in driving the movement of tectonic plates, which is a key mechanism in continental drift. These currents cause material in the mantle to rise and sink, creating forces that push and pull the plates over the Earth's surface.


What happen as thermal energy is transferred from the core to the mantle?

As thermal energy is transferred from the core to the mantle, it causes convection currents in the mantle. These currents are responsible for the movement of tectonic plates at the Earth's surface. This movement leads to processes such as seafloor spreading, subduction, and volcanic activity.


What is the main source of energy for wind currents on the earth?

The main source of energy for wind currents on Earth is the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun. This causes variations in temperature and pressure, leading to the movement of air masses and the development of wind patterns.

Related questions

What type of current is caused by wind on the oceans surface?

Surface ocean currents are caused by winds. As wind blows across the surface, the wind pulls the water and causes waves.


What causes surface currents to move?

Randomism .


What is primary causes of crustal movement?

Convection currents in the mantle.


An increase in wind causes this current to increase What type of current is it?

Convection is the process that causes warm air to rise and cold air to sink. As such, the winds caused by this process are called convection currents.


What is the primary force that causes the sea-floor to spread?

Convection currents


What causes surface and deep currents?

The gravitation pull on the earth.


What factor causes surface currents north and south of the equator to move in different locations?

Surface currents are created by air currents, earth's rotation, and positions of the continents.


What is the primary source of energy for ocean currents and waves?

The primary source of energy for ocean currents and waves is the Sun. Solar radiation heats the Earth's surface unevenly, creating temperature and pressure differences in the atmosphere that drive wind patterns. These winds, in turn, generate ocean currents and waves through the transfer of energy to the water.


How the sun is the major source of energy that powers surface currents?

The sun is major source of energy that power surface currents because the sun causes wind to blow and winds cause surface currents to form


What causes ocean surface currents?

A surface current is a current caused by wind direction


What force between the ocean and wind causes surface currents?

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What causes deep ocean surface currents?

The gravitation pull on the earth.