In the Northern hemisphere, wind moves from the West to the East over the ocean
ID: 287046 • Letter: I
Question
In the Northern hemisphere, wind moves from the West to the East over the ocean surface. In what direction is the net water movement due to Ekman transport?
1) North
2) South
3) West
4) East
1. If the wind is blowing from North to South in the Southern hemisphere, what direction is Eckman transport
2. If the wind is blowing from East to West in the Northern hemisphere, what direction is Eckman transport?
3. If Eckman transport of water is to the West in the Northern hemisphere, what direction is the wind blowing?
Please explain! Thank you!
Please explain! Thank you!
Explanation / Answer
First let us understand what is ekman transport. "Ekman transport is the movement of water at an angle of 90 degree right depending on the direction of the wind motion". Coriolis force and water friction drag together form ekman transport. The surface water is diverted at 30° followed by 60° diversion of the layer below and ultimate 90° at depth.
Ans : when the wind is blowing from West to East in northern hemisphere, the ekman transport will be in south. (Option 2)
1. If the wind will blow from North to south in southern hemisphere, the direction of ekman will be to the west.
2. If the wind is blowing from east to west in northern hemisphere the direction of ekman transport will be to North.
3. If the direction of ekman is to west in northern hemisphere the direction of wind will be from North to South.