Subtropical Gyres

Background Information

While the basic principles that lead to the formation of subtropical gyres applies to the circulation seen in each of the 5 Subtropical Gyres, there are differences that can still be seen in each of the major oceans.

Directions

Create a document that addresses the following prompt. For this assignment, you will be doing some writing and some drawing. Complete the two questions below:

Using the image provided below, complete the following:

Label the Northern, Western, Eastern and Southern Boundary current for each major subtropical gyre. You do not need to label the subpolar gyres.

Color (or label) whether each of the currents are warm currents or cold currents.

If you color them, red=warm and blue=cold

If you would prefer to print this image and handwrite on it, you can use this document here: surface current map.pdfActions

For this next question, choose one subtropical gyre from the question above to focus on. (North Pacific, South Pacific, North Atlantic, South Atlantic, or the Indian Ocean). In a paragraph, written in your own words, describe the circulation patterns witnessed in that ocean. Use these questions to help guide your writing:

Are there any ways circulation differs in this ocean compared to other oceans?

What are the unique chemical and physical properties of this ocean? Are there any unique processes that occur in this ocean? Explain