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As a result of western intensification, geostrophic currents flowing on the western side of the gyre tend to be much ______ than on the eastern side.

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Final answer:

Western intensification results in geostrophic currents on the western sides of ocean gyres being stronger than those on the eastern sides due to the Earth's rotation and Coriolis effect.

Step-by-step explanation:

As a result of western intensification, geostrophic currents flowing on the western side of the gyre tend to be much stronger than on the eastern side.

This phenomenon occurs due to the Earth's rotation, which exerts a greater force on the water moving along the west sides of ocean basins, leading to faster and narrower currents compared to their counterparts on the east. The Coriolis effect and the resultant force from the pressure gradient contribute to this intensification, making western boundary currents like the Gulf Stream and the Kuroshio Current more powerful.

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User Simmy
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