|
Wind also moves water around, especially the upper portions of the water
column. However, wind is generally moving in the same direction caused by
the rotation of the Earth, so they "add" forces. In
areas where land and water meet, the direction of the wind is controlled
by temperature differences of the land and water. Strong winds can
influence the movement of coastal waters.
Wind is actually a bizarre phenomenon. It can change quickly
depending on the balance of heat. A mountain can stop wind and add to
the chaos of wind motion. Wind produces energy throughout the water
column in a predictable pattern called the Ekman spiral. The
transfer of wind energy from the atmosphere to the waters can cause
motion far from where the energy first entered the system.
|
Direction of wind
|
