1. Higher Atmosphere Ocean Currents[Date] Today I will: - Know what Oceans Currents are - Be able to explain how they re-distribute energy across the globe

2. Higher Atmosphere Higher Atmosphere If the earth continually received too much insolation at the tropics and too little insolation at the poles the tropics would overheat and the poles would get colder and colder. Rather, ocean currents redistribute the energy around the world. The process of ocean currents re- distributing the energy is called oceanic circulation.

3. Higher Atmosphere Higher Atmosphere

4. Higher Atmosphere Oceans: - Average depth: 12,400m - Very dark - Highly pressurised

5. Higher Atmosphere Higher Atmosphere

6. Higher Atmosphere Higher Atmosphere Warm water is transferred from the tropics Cold water is transferred from the poles

7. Higher Atmosphere Higher Atmosphere

8. Higher Atmosphere Higher Atmosphere

9. Higher Atmosphere Higher Atmosphere

10. Higher Atmosphere Higher Atmosphere Continents deflect the currents to create gyres. The coriolis force deflects the ocean currents clockwise in the north and anti- clockwise in the south

11. Higher Atmosphere Higher Atmosphere

12. Higher Atmosphere Higher Atmosphere Neatly mark the currents onto your map of the world. Annotate it fully.

13. Higher Atmosphere Higher Atmosphere Explain how the Oceans help re-distribute energy across the globe: Introduction Warm water expands and cold water contracts and therefore warm water move towards colder areas [1]. In addition, as cold water is denser than warm water, the cold water sinks away from the poles and spreads towards the equator [1]. The Coriolis effect deflects the currents clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and anti-clockwise in the southern Hemisphere [1]. They are obstructed by continents and can loop forming Gyres [1]. Case Study: Atlantic Ocean In the North Atlantic a clockwise loop or gyre is formed with warm water from the Gulf of Mexico (Gulf Stream) travelling northwards [1]. Prevailing south westerlies drag the current further North East [1]. Colder water moves southwards e.g. the Canaries Current [1]. In the South Atlantic, water moves the opposite way than from the North [1]. Water moves Southwards as the Brazilian current and is deflected left by the Coriolis force [1]. This movement of warm and cold water helps to maintain the energy balance [1].