Tectonic plate movements and atmospheric circulation
Not what you're looking for?
Considering the theory of plate tectonics and the movement of landmasses over geologic time, would you expect atmospheric circulation of the past to be the same as we see today? Why or why not? Consider the factors that determine global wind patterns and whether they have changed over time.
Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary
How the movements of landmasses affect atmospheric circulation
Solution Preview
No, atmospheric circulation has changed dramatically over geologic time. The locations of the land masses have significant effects on global wind patterns, by controlling ocean circulation patterns. Currents in the deep ocean exist because of changes in the density of sea water occurring at the surface. These density changes give rise to specific water masses, which have well-defined temperature and salinity characteristics, and which can be traced for long distances in the ocean. Today, the large-scale thermohaline circulation of the ocean is driven by the sinking of cold water in the far ...
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Energy
This quiz provides a brief review to different energy examples. How is energy evident in our world? This vocabulary is important to understand the connection between energy and matter.
United States and Canada Vocabulary
Assessment of basic vocabulary terms related to geography and resources in the United States and Canda.
Basic Energy Quiz
This quiz will test your knowledge of basic energy related questions. It will improve your knowledge on units of measurement .
Environment of the Earth
This quiz will focus on an introduction to basic Earth Science vocabulary. This info is important for an understanding of the principles involved with the study of the environment of the Earth.
Environmental Awareness 2020
This quiz is to test your knowledge and awareness on the current environmental issues that are posing a serious threat to the planet.