Describe the two primary forces that set ocean water in motion and how they drive both surface and thermohaline currents
On a global scale, winds from the atmosphere and gravity are the two primary forces that drive the mass global movement of water. In general, the mass water flow in the ocean is called a current; some currents are large-scale global phenomena and some are local and are subject to local conditions. As persistent winds blow across the surface of the ocean, they pull the water setting it into motion due to friction. These winds are responsible for the horizontal movement of water, which is then replaced by deeper, colder water and resulting in vertical water movement. This vertical movement in conjunction with horizontal movement sets up global scale currents. In addition, density differences due to temperature (convection), salinity, and gravity will drive water movement. This type of movement is called thermohaline circulation. In polar areas, dense water sinks and travels as bottom water to lower latitudes. The most distinctive of these deep-water masses is the Antarctic Bottom Water.
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According to the principle of ____________________, fossil assemblages succeed one another through time in a
regular and determinable order. Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).
Even if people cannot easily spread bird flu from person to person, how might the virus that causes bird flu spread in the world?
A) Vaccines against bird flu might spread the disease around the world. B) Antibiotics against bird flu will stop working. C) Migrating birds might spread the flu widely. D) Hunters shooting the birds and eating the meat might become infected.
Which of the following components of the atmosphere are most helpful in the cleansing of the air?
A) Hydroxyl radicals B) Ozone C) Radon D) Sulfur dioxide
Earth’s magnetic field protects Earth from some of the
a. ?pollutants found in the atmosphere. b. ?dangerous ozone present in the atmosphere. c. ?dangerous gamma rays emitted by the Sun. d. ?ultraviolet radiation. e. ?particles emitted by the Sun in the form of solar winds and storms.