Likely consequences of global climate change 2 ocean currents
Ocean currents mind map, includes El Nino
- Created by: Luke Mitchell
- Created on: 12-01-13 14:57
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- Likely consequences of Global Climate Change. 2 Ocean Currents
- El Nino
- 3). normaly winds blow westward across Pacfic Ocean near coast of South America. Water rich in nutrients causing massive algae blooms near surface feeding rich food web, including fisheries for humans. Currents conitues west warming up eventually heads south along coast of Australia as warm current.
- 4). current also effects rainfall pattern. If cold coastal current any rain-bearing winds heading over sea towards land will cool down causing vapour to coll, condense and fall as rain before reaching land... If warm coastal current winds blowing towards land are likely to retain water vapour cuasing rainfall on land
- 1). Spanish term meaning 'Christ Child' because event begins at Christmas time occuring naturally every few years, but climate change has caused it to happen more regularly due to change in wind patterns controlling currents
- 2). Due to climate change winds controlling surface currents change prventing upwellings off South America so rich food web collapse. Rainfall in Eastern Australia drops while deserts on South American coasts get heavy rain causing flooding
- North Atlantic Conveyor
- 1). warm water from Tropical Atlantic ocean travels north-east towards north-west Europe. Current driven by two processes 1-prevaling winds blowing over ocean surface. 2-sinking of water near the Artic Ocean as itcools and becomes denser
- 2). Warming of atmosphere causing ice on Greenland to melt and fall into sea. This dilutes salty surface water making it less dense. Making it difficult for cold water to sink so current slows down
- 3). Current transfers heat energy from tropics to north-west Europe and produces much warmer climate than would be expected for an area of that latitude. If current slows down then north-west Europe could become much colder
- El Nino
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