Impacts of Ocean Currents (Leaving Cert Geography): Flashcards

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Impacts of Ocean Currents
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Role of ocean currents in Earth's climate

Redistribute heat & moisture globally as natural heating system

Direction warm currents transport heat

From equatorial regions towards the poles

Direction cold currents transport water

From polar regions towards the equator

Where does the Gulf Stream begin?

Gulf of Mexico

Gulf Stream effect on western Europe temperature

Significantly warms it, warmer than similar latitudes

California Current direction of flow

Southward along western coast of North America

California Current effect on coastal temperature

Cools regions, creating cooler summers & milder winters

How ocean current temperature affects air above it

Directly affects air temp, alters pressure & wind patterns

Effect of warm currents on precipitation

Increase evaporation, leading to more precipitation

Effect of cold currents on precipitation

Cool air, reduce moisture capacity, create drier conditions

Gulf Stream effect on western Europe precipitation

Higher precipitation, contributes to wet climate

California Current effect on S. California precipitation

Lower precipitation, contributes to semi-arid/arid climate

What does ENSO affect in Pacific Ocean?

Direction & strength of currents, affecting precipitation

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