The explanation for the surface current shown in the map which does not coincide with the prevailing wind current.
Answer to Problem 1GST
The surface current shown in the map does not coincide with the prevailing wind current at the African coast because they may be influenced by the coastal upwelling and coriolis force which operates in the other direction.
Explanation of Solution
The atmosphere and ocean, meet at the surface of the ocean. Here, the energy passes from the atmospheric air medium to the water surface with friction. The wind exerts drag which bows steadily across the oceans. This results in the surface layer of water to move.
The rotation of the Earth which results in the deflection of oceanic currents to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere is termed as Coriolis Effect. This is one of the major factors that influence the ocean circulation.
Coastal upwelling is the rise of cold water from the deeper layers replacing the warmer surface water. This is common in west coasts of continents and is operated by wind. Hence, the surface currents although operated by the ocean currents, are affected by the Coriolis Effect and upwelling of water.
Want to see more full solutions like this?
Chapter 15 Solutions
Earth Science (15th Edition)
- Applications and Investigations in Earth Science ...Earth ScienceISBN:9780134746241Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. TasaPublisher:PEARSONExercises for Weather & Climate (9th Edition)Earth ScienceISBN:9780134041360Author:Greg CarbonePublisher:PEARSONEnvironmental ScienceEarth ScienceISBN:9781260153125Author:William P Cunningham Prof., Mary Ann Cunningham ProfessorPublisher:McGraw-Hill Education
- Earth Science (15th Edition)Earth ScienceISBN:9780134543536Author:Edward J. Tarbuck, Frederick K. Lutgens, Dennis G. TasaPublisher:PEARSONEnvironmental Science (MindTap Course List)Earth ScienceISBN:9781337569613Author:G. Tyler Miller, Scott SpoolmanPublisher:Cengage LearningPhysical GeologyEarth ScienceISBN:9781259916823Author:Plummer, Charles C., CARLSON, Diane H., Hammersley, LisaPublisher:Mcgraw-hill Education,