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Chapter 4 Global Climate and Biomes. Zonal weather pattern is not completely true The pattern is disrupted by land-sea contrasts. Maui, HI. San Diego, CA. What warms up quicker: Land or Water?. Dry Air at room temperature – 1.01 Joules Water at 25 C – 4.18 Joules
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Chapter 4 Global Climate and Biomes
Zonal weather pattern is not completely true The pattern is disrupted by land-sea contrasts Maui, HI San Diego, CA
What warms up quicker: Land or Water? • Dry Air at room temperature – 1.01 Joules • Water at 25 C – 4.18 Joules • Based on these numbers, which warms up quicker? Why?
Ocean Currents • Ocean currents are driven by: • Temperature • Gravity • Prevailing winds • Coriolis effect • Locations of continents
Gyres • the large-scale patterns of water circulation
Gyres • Redistribute heat in the ocean • Cold polar water along west sides of continents (vice versa east coasts) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-gqJAsXiKQ
Upwelling • as the surface currents separate, deeper waters rise and replace the water that has moved away • Cold H2O nutrient rich
Thermohaline Circulation • Drives mixing of surface water and deep water • Crucial for moving heat and nutrients • Caused by surface waters with high salt content
Rain Shadow • Windward side – moist air rises and cools causing rain • Leeward side – air descends, higher pressure high temp (dry)