Global Ocean Surface Currents

In class, we will be discussing the forces responsible for generating the global ocean surface currents. In this exercise, you will work with the information presented in class to answer the following questions.  You may find the figures on page 208-209 (Figures 7-4 and 7-5) and the tables on pages 209 and 215 (Tables 7-1 and 7-2) helpful in completing this assignment.

 

1.    The Trade Winds that prevail between the equator and a latitude of 30 degrees have 
strong east to west components. Ocean currents under the Trade Winds flow generally in the 
(same) (opposite) direction.  (Indicate the correct answer)

 

 2.    The Prevailing Westerlies found between a latitude of 30 and 60 degrees are winds 
that have a strong west to east component. Ocean currents under the Prevailing Westerlies flow generally in the (same) (opposite) direction. (Indicate the correct answer)

 

 3.    The ocean currents driven by these prevailing wind systems are deflected by 
continental boundaries to help form the gyres. The one latitude where blocking continental boundaries are lacking is  (0°) (30°N) (30°S) (60°N) (60°S). (Indicate the correct answer)

The name of this circum-global current is the 

_________________________.

 

 4.    The ocean gyres in the major ocean basins form large, roughly circular, 
closed currents which are centered at a latitude of approximately 
(0°) (30°) (60°).  (Indicate the correct answer)

This circulation occurs around stable (high) (low) zones of atmospheric 
pressure that occur at this latitude. (Indicate the correct answer)

 

 5.    As seen from space, the gyre circulation patterns in the Northern Hemisphere
show a (clockwise) (counterclockwise) flow. (Indicate the correct answer)

In the Southern Hemisphere, these gyre circulations are (clockwise) (counterclockwise). (Indicate the correct answer)

Complete the following chart and then answer the remaining questions.

Current

Relative Temperature

(Warm or Cold)

Relative Speed

(Fast or Slow)

Flow Direction

(Poleward or Equatorward)
Kuroshio Current      
E. Australian Current      
Gulf Stream      
Brazil Current      
California Current      
Peru Current      
Canary Current      
Benguela Current      

 

 

 

6.    In ocean gyres, regardless of hemisphere, warm water is transported poleward in 
the (eastern) (western) region of each ocean basin. (Indicate the correct answer)

The cold currents from the higher latitudes are found in the (eastern) (western) region of each ocean basin. (Indicate the correct answer)

 

 7.    In ocean gyres, regardless of hemisphere, the faster currents are found in 
the (eastern) (western) region of each ocean basin. (Indicate the correct answer)

The slower currents are found in the (eastern) (western) region of each ocean basin. (Indicate the correct answer)