Earth's Dynamic Ocean & Atmosphere - Essay Example

Earths Dynamic Ocean & Atmosphere Part 1. The current theory on the evolution of the world ocean is the plate tectonics which suggest that continents and ocean basins change continuously (Mathez & Webster, 2004). The ocean is part of lithospheric plates which move against each other.2. The salinity of the seawater originated from gradual natural processes that take place in the surface of the sea including breaking up of rocks through weathering and erosion, dissolved minerals transported by the streams into the sea, and solid and gaseous materials from volcanic vents.

Part 2The surface ocean currents occur on the open ocean and are influenced by the Coriolis Effect. This refers to the deflection of circulating air due to the earth’s rotation (Mathez & Webster, 2004). This deflection causes the air to rotate to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in southern hemisphere.Part 31. During the development of tides, the moon offers a gravitational pull on the earth which causes the ocean to bulge (Mathez & Webster, 2004). The sun also offers gravitational force that causes tides.

Inertia causes a centrifugal force that causes the ocean to bulge; hence the ocean bulges twice.2. Variations in tidal ranges are caused by the distance and direction of the sun and the moon. Spring tides have the greater rangers which occur when the sun and the moon align themselves in a syzygy position (Mathez & Webster, 2004).Part 4One of the methods of preventing loss of property by erosion is preservation and imitation of nature whereby plants by the seashores are preserved to prevent erosion.

The roots bind the earth together while the branches prevent erosion by rain. Another method is keeping the slopes gentle. This absorbs wave energy; hence prevents erosion by waves.Part 5The three cells involved in atmospheric circulation are: Hadley, Polar and Ferrel. Circulation of the Hadley cell results in two pressure belts: high pressure (subtropical ridge) and low pressure (near equatorial trough). The polar cell causes cold dense air at the pole which leads to high pressure and subsidence (Mathez & Webster, 2004).

Lastly, the Ferrel cell causes a westerly flow which causes a strong downward vertical motion.References listMathez, E.A., & Webster, J.D. (2004). The earth machine: The science of a dynamic planet. New York: Columbia University Press.