ENVIRSC 1A03 Lecture Notes - Lecture 15: Thermohaline Circulation, Ekman Spiral, Gulf Stream
26 Apr 2015
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Document Summary
Surface currents: oceanic circulation, is driven by: Warm water is less dense than cold water differences in density induce water flow. Differences in salinity impact water density: saltier water is more dense than fresh water. They are given instructions to sink and after awhile they merge to surface. Importance of the thermohaline circulation: helps drive gulf stream in moving heat towards north pole, delivers c02 to oceans depths and helps reduce concentration of atmospheric c02, western boundary currents bring latent heat towards the poles. Driven by thermohaline circulation which brings 35% of heat to the north atlantic. At low latitudes as surface winds blow over warm tropical waters, they acquire sensible and latent heat. As air rises latent heat is released warming the atmosphere. Warm moist air flows north along surface, disturbances along polar front causes condensation and latent heat release.
