What are density driven currents?
Ocean currents are formed when water layers move. Gravitational currents are formed when water masses of different densities sink or rise due to the interactions of gravitational and buoyant forces.
What are the 2 examples of density currents?
Sometimes it must move through a topographic constriction or over a sill to reach the continental slope, and thus the currents containing such water are often called “dense overflows.” Notable examples of such overflows occur in the Denmark Strait, in the Faroe Bank Channel, in the Strait of Gibraltar, at the mouth of …
Where do density driven currents occur?
Water at the bottom of the ocean is very cold and salty, even at the equator. This very cold and salty water forms near the poles through the processes of sea ice formation and density changes.
What is density driven ocean circulation?
The circulation of the deep ocean is driven by the increase in density of surface water due to changes in its temperature and salinity. A major way the density of surface water in the high latitude regions of the ocean is increased is by (cool- ing) (heating).
How are density currents formed?
When waters of two different densities meet, the dense water will slide below the less dense water. The differing densities cause water to move relative to one-another, forming a density current. This is one of the primary mechanisms by which ocean currents are formed.
Why are density currents important to oceans?
By moving heat from the equator toward the poles, ocean currents play an important role in controlling the climate. Ocean currents are also critically important to sea life. They carry nutrients and food to organisms that live permanently attached in one place, and carry reproductive cells and ocean life to new places.
How does density affect ocean currents?
The Role of Density Denser water tends to sink, while less dense water tends to rise. Cold-water currents occur as the cold water at the poles sinks and slowly moves toward the equator. Warm-water currents travel out from the equator along the surface, flowing toward the poles to replace the sinking cold water.
What do wind-driven currents do?
Large-scale, surface ocean currents are driven by global wind systems that are fueled by energy from the sun. These currents transfer heat from the tropics to the Polar Regions, influencing local and global climate.
What is the meaning of wind current?
a wind current: a flow of air.
What is density current in water?
Why is density important to life?
Density is an important concept because it allows us to determine what substances will float and what substances will sink when placed in a liquid.