Question

How does ekman transport cause ocean upwelling riding water

Answer 1

Ekman transport is the net movement of water in the ocean due to the Coriolis effect. As wind blows over the ocean's surface, it creates friction, which causes the surface water to move in a circular pattern known as the Ekman spiral. This spiral is caused by the Coriolis effect, which causes the direction of movement to shift with depth.

The net effect of the Ekman spiral is to create a surface current that is at a right angle to the wind direction. This surface current then drives a deeper current, known as the Ekman transport, which is at a 90-degree angle to the surface current and to the right of the wind direction in the Northern Hemisphere.

In areas where the Ekman transport is moving away from the coast, water from deeper in the ocean is pulled up to replace the surface water. This is known as ocean upwelling. Upwelling brings nutrient-rich water from the deep ocean to the surface, which supports the growth of phytoplankton and other marine life.

The combination of Ekman transport and ocean upwelling can have a significant impact on marine ecosystems and the global climate. By understanding these processes, scientists can better predict and manage changes in ocean currents and their effects on marine life and weather patterns.

Answer 2

Ekman transport does not directly cause ocean upwelling. In fact, it is the opposite—it is the result of ocean upwelling. Ocean upwelling is a process in which deep, nutrient-rich waters rise to the surface, bringing cold, nutrient-rich water from the depths of the ocean to the surface.

The Ekman transport is a phenomenon in which the net movement of surface water is perpendicular to the direction of the wind due to the Coriolis effect. When wind blows over the ocean surface, it imparts a force on the water, causing it to move. However, due to the Earth's rotation, the water is deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This deflection creates a spiral-like pattern of water movement called the Ekman spiral.

In the case of ocean upwelling, wind blowing parallel to a coastline can generate Ekman transport that pushes surface water away from the shore. This causes an upward movement of water from the subsurface, replacing the surface water that was pushed away. This vertical movement of water brings up colder, nutrient-rich water from deeper layers to the surface, promoting the growth of phytoplankton and supporting productive marine ecosystems.

So, while the Ekman transport itself is not responsible for causing ocean upwelling, it can be a contributing factor in some cases by helping to bring nutrient-rich water to the surface through the process of Ekman pumping.

Step-by-step explanation:

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