CH 16 The Dynamic Ocean

CH 16 The Dynamic Ocean

Ocean water is in constant motion and powered by many forces

Forces include wind, Coriolis, gravity, density differences Ocean currents are masses of ocean water that flow

from one place to anotherSurface or deep

Surface CurrentsSurface Currents Movements of water that flow horizontally Develop from wind friction Gyres = huge circular moving current systems (5) Coriolis Effect = the deflection of currents to the right

in the NH (& left in the SH) due to earth’s rotation Warm currents move from the equator to the poles Cold currents move from polar regions to the equator Cold currents = west coast; warm currents = east coast

Deep Ocean CirculationDeep Ocean Circulation Vertical movement of water Upwelling = cold water rising from deep layers to

replace warm surface waterBrings nutrients to surface(good for fishing)

Density currents = vertical currents of water due to density differences

From temperature(cold) and salinity (high)Read pages 451 – 453

WavesWaves Most waves obtain their energy and motion from wind Big wind = big waves Crest = top Trough = bottom Wave height = distance from trough up to crest Wavelength = distance from crest to next crest Wave period = time it takes a full wavelength to pass a

fixed position

Height, length, & period of waves depends on 3 factors:

1. Wind speed2. Length of time the wind blows3. Fetch (distance across body of water)

The only thing that really moves forward in a wave is energy(particles move in circular orbital motion)

Breakers--Waves that break (fall forward) when the depth of the water is one-half of the wavelength.

TIDESTIDES Tides are daily changes in the elevation of the

ocean due to the gravitational attraction of the moon & sun.

Most places have 2 high & 2 low tides each day.

Tidal Range=difference in height of high & low tide.

2 TIDE TYPES & 3 TIDE PATTERNS2 TIDE TYPES & 3 TIDE PATTERNS

2 TIDE TYPES:SPRING= full & new moon, largest tidal range, moon-earth-sun are all in a straight line.NEAP= 1st & 3rd quarter moons, smallest tidal range, moon-earth-sun at 90 degree angles.

3 TIDE PATTERNS: (read about them)diurnal = 1 hi & 1 low per daysemi-diurnal = 2 hi & 2 lo per day (fairly equal)mixed = 2 hi & 2 lo per day (unequal)

SHORELINE PROCESSES/FEATURESSHORELINE PROCESSES/FEATURES BEACH=accumulation of sediment along shores.

(white,pink,tan,black,green) SHORELINE (WAVE) FORCES:

ErodingTransportingDepositingWave impactAbrasionRefraction = bending of waves

Wave energy is concentrated at headlands = more erosion

Wave energy is weakened in bays = more deposition

Longshore current = sediments carried along (parallel) to shore due to waves hitting at an angle.

EROSIONAL FEATURES:EROSIONAL FEATURES:

Sea Cliff – result from waves cutting at the base Sea Cave – from softer rock being eroded Sea Arch – cave all the way through Sea Stacks – roof of the arch collapses Wave-cut platform or terrace – from continued

wave action causing a flat eroded area

DEPOSITIONAL FEATURES:DEPOSITIONAL FEATURES: Spit – elongated ridge of sand sticking into the

bay Hook – when the spit hooks due to currents Baymouth Bar – when a sand bar completely

crosses the bay Tombolo – a ridge of sand that connects an

island to the mainland Barrier Islands = (Outer Banks)

Stabilizing/protecting shores:Stabilizing/protecting shores: Jetties or groins –barrier built at right angles to

the beach to catch sand Breakwaters – offshore and parallel to coast Seawalls – parallel to coast often from the shore Beach nourishments

Natural protectors: sand bars, sand dunes, fringing reefs, barrier reefs, & atolls