OceanographyLesson 3 of 5 in the course Ocean circulation

The Gulf Stream: Route, Dynamics, Impacts, and Observation

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

The Gulf Stream is a powerful, warm current in the Atlantic Ocean. This lesson follows its route and explains how winds and ocean dynamics help form and strengthen it.

The Gulf Stream originates in the Gulf of Mexico, passes through the Straits of Florida, and flows north along the eastern coastline of the United States. Near North Carolina, around 36°N, it turns eastward and becomes part of the North Atlantic Current as it crosses the Atlantic toward Northwest Europe.

All flashcards

What is the Gulf Stream?
A warm, swift current in the North Atlantic that flows from the Gulf of Mexico through the Straits of Florida and north along the eastern United States.
What is western intensification?
The strengthening of currents along the western boundary of an ocean basin.
Which currents feed into the Gulf Stream system near the Caribbean?
The North Equatorial Current divides near northeastern South America; one branch enters the Caribbean, while the Antilles Current flows north and east of the West Indies. The branches rejoin north of the Straits of Florida.
What are the two branches near 40°N, 30°W?
The North Atlantic Drift continues toward Northern Europe, while the Canary Current recirculates off West Africa.
How does the Gulf Stream’s seasonal position change?
It is generally closer to the North American coast in summer and farther offshore in winter.

Quiz questions

  1. How does the Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Current affect Northwest Europe?Answer: Their warm water helps make the region warmer than many places at similar latitudes.
  2. What sea-surface temperature do tropical cyclones generally require?Answer: Above 26.5°C.
  3. How do cold-core rings in the Gulf Stream rotate?Answer: Cyclonically.
  4. What do satellite altimeters measure that helps scientists study ocean circulation?Answer: Sea-surface height.
  5. Who helped Benjamin Franklin chart the Gulf Stream and provide sailing advice?Answer: Timothy Folger, a Nantucket whaling captain.

Based on the Wikipedia article Gulf Stream, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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