Examine the following diagram Ocean Conveyor Belt
1. What does the circulation pattern shown in this diagram do for planet earth, and what types of ocean currents are involved? Also, what would happen to this system if there was a sudden large input of fresh water in the polar regions (which is what could happen if global warming continues and glacial ice at high latitudes is melted at a rapid rate)?
Examine this diagram Wave
2. What are the parts of a typical wave, and use the diagram to describe the motion of a water molecule involved in a wave? Also, calculate the celerity of waves with a) a 100 meter wavelength and a 10 second period, and b) a 150 meter wavelength and a 10 second period. Based on these calculations, what happens to wave velocity as wavelength increases?
Examine this diagram Waves approaching shore
3. Use this diagram to describe what happens to a wave as it approaches and finally reaches shore.
Examine the diagram Progressive water waves
4. Most waves that one encounters in the ocean are progressive water waves also know as free waves or swell. Use the digram to explain how these waves form and why they are the most common waves that you would encounter in the ocean or along a coastline? Also, what factors determine the size of a wave?
