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Understanding Air-Sea Interactions and Global Winds

Explore the dynamic interplay of wind, pressure systems, and sea ice on a rotating Earth. From desert formation to regional winds, delve into the impact of uneven heating and the Coriolis effect. Gain insights into hurricane formation and the stages of sea ice development, including pancake ice and polar ice. Learn about continental ice formations and their interaction with oceans. Work on illustrations to visualize key concepts.

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Understanding Air-Sea Interactions and Global Winds

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  1. Air-Sea Interactions Winds Pressure systems Sea ice

  2. Global winds • Uneven heating of earth • Convection • Start with flattened earth • Then transfer to rounded earth EQ SP NP

  3. Coriolis effect • Occurs on Earth because it rotates • Water and atmosphere are not firmly attached to solid Earth and lag behind • Winds do not flow in straight lines • Modify winds for rotating Earth • Work on drawings

  4. All see table 6.2, p. 173

  5. DESERTS: Some located due to global air circulation

  6. Sea Breeze Local winds Land Breeze

  7. Regional pattern • Monsoon circulation Summer Winter

  8. Pressure systems • High pressure • Air dropping at center of mass • Coriolis effect kicks in • Low pressure • Air rising at center of mass • Coriolis effect kicks in • Hurricane is an intense low pressure system

  9. Formation of sea ice From early to late stages: • Pancake ice…looks like its name • Ice floes…..think of fishing polar bears • Pack ice….substantial; melts in summer • Polar ice….remains year-round

  10. Pancake Ice

  11. “Pancakes” become larger as ice coalesces Courtesy of J. Phillips-Kress

  12. Ice floes are forming Courtesy of J. Phillips-Kress

  13. Polar ice….vast expanses that remain year-round Courtesy of US Navy

  14. More ice…but is it sea ice? • Ice that forms on land is continental ice • Includes glaciers • Glaciers interact with oceans via icebergs and shelf ice

  15. Glacier along a coast

  16. Alaskan glacier Courtesy of M.S. Bollinger

  17. Iceberg in Alaska Courtesy of M.S. Bollinger

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