Science Notebook Activity: Identifying Prevailing Winds and Ocean Currents
Procedure:
Using a red-colored pencil, trace the patterns of the prevailing winds on the map. Be sure to include the following prevailing winds:
- Prevailing Westerlies
- Trade Winds
- Northern Subtropical Gyre
- Southern Subtropical Gyre
- Doldrums
Draw arrows on each pattern to show the direction of the wind. Label the prevailing winds with their appropriate names. Sketch the major ocean currents using a blue-colored pencil including:
- Japan Current
- Northern Equatorial Drift
- Southern Equatorial Drift
- Gulf Stream
- West Wind Drift
- Brazil Current
Draw arrows on each ocean current to show the direction of the surface current. Label each ocean current pattern with its correct name. Create a legend in the box provided and label your map with an appropriate title.
Questions:
1. Compare the direction of the currents in the North Pacific Ocean with those of the South Pacific Ocean. How are they alike and different? Explain the reason for the similarities and differences.
2. What relationship between wind and ocean currents do you notice after observing your map?
Answers:
1. The Earth is known to have five prevailing wind zones. They are:
- Polar Easterlies
- Westerlies
- Horse Latitudes
- Trade Winds
- Doldrums
Some examples of ocean currents include North Equatorial Current, Kuroshio Current, North Pacific Current, Alaskan Current, Counter Equatorial Current, and South Equatorial Current.
What is the link between wind and ocean currents?
The winds carry surface water and form currents. As these currents flow westward, the Coriolis effect from the Earth's rotation causes them to bend to the right, facing north.