currents & climate ch 14.2. warm-water currents i.e. gulf stream creates mild climate at high...
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Cold-water currents i.e. California Current Creates cooler climate in WA, OR, CA Much cooler than inland climatesTRANSCRIPT
Currents & Climate
Ch 14.2
Warm-water currents
• i.e. Gulf Stream• Creates mild climate at high latitudes such
as British Isles (much warmer than Newfoundland which is at the same latitude)
Cold-water currents
• i.e. California Current• Creates cooler climate in WA, OR, CA• Much cooler than inland climates
Upwelling
• 1. surface water is blown off shore• 2. cold water from ocean floor is pulled
upward to replace the warm surface water• 3. this deep water brings nutrients from
ocean floor• 4. phytoplankton flourishes, so this helps
support healthy fisheries
El NinoEl Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO)
• Trade winds relax• Upwelling slows on S. American coast• Thermocline is deeper• Nutrient supply decreases• Fisheries decline
Worldwide results of ENSO
• Rains less in the western Pacific• Rains more near Peru• Drought in Indonesia & Australia• Warmer, wetter winters in SE USA
El Nino
• Typically last 12-18 months• Occur every 3-7 years
Effects of El Nino
• Flash floods• Mudslides (i.e. California)• Droughts in Indonesia & Australia• Drought = crop failure
La Nina
• Cooler than normal sea-surface temps in tropical Pacific
• Easterly trades strengthen• Upwelling intensifies• Indonesia & Australia are wetter• Dries in SE USA, SW USA & Plains of
USA• Warm water is abnormally deep in W.
Pacific
Links www.classzone.com
• http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/investigations/esu601/esu601page01.cfm
• http://www.cdc.noaa.gov/ENSO/#science