An ocean gyre can be defined as a system of ocean currents, which exist in a constant rotating movement. As far as the cause of the ocean gyre is concerned, wind movements are traditionally mentioned as the key factors causing the phenomenon (Lutgens and Tarbuck 312).
Though the phenomenon of the Coriolis Effect can be related to a variety of phenomena, it is often mentioned in relation to the movement of the ocean and the wind currents. Caught in a rotating reference frame, the movements of air in water are constrained by those in the atmosphere, and vice versa (Lutgens and Tarbuck 317).
Judging by the geographic location of Great Britain, its average temperature should be a few degrees lower than it usually is; the increase in temperature can be explained by the warm ocean currents, which surround the island. The effects of the North Atlantic Drift have an especially tremendous effect on the UK climate (Lutgens and Tarbuck 322).
The conveyor belt movement of the ocean waves, also known as the thermohaline circulation (Lutgens and Tarbuck 325), is created as a result of the difference in the density of water masses in the ocean. Because of the gap in temperature and pressure rates between the lower and the higher water layers, a circulative motion known as the Global Conveyor Belt (Lutgens and Tarbuck 325) is created.
Though the phenomenon of beach drift is not related directly to the processes that take place in the ocean, it can be viewed as one of the effects of these processes. Due to the unceasing movement of the ocean currents and the creation of waves, the specks of sand along the beach are pulled sideways. Referred to as the beach drift, this phenomenon can be observed on a regular basis (Longshore Drift para. 1).
Another type of natural rock formation, along with the arches created on the surface, sea arches are natural openings, which emerge on cliffs. A sea stack, in its turn, is a landform shaped as a column; usually found on the dry land, a stack may also be located in the ocean; in the latter case, it is called a sea stack. Both sea stacks and sea arches are formed in the course of major marine processes, such as the attacks of waves on the rock formations in the ocean.
According to Lutgens and Tarbuck, a beach drift is a coastal landform that is located parallel to the coast of the continent. It is quite remarkable that, due to the of the islands shape, their origin was a mystery for researchers for quite long. Beach drifts are important for sailors, since beach drifts help avoid the shoals that are also located quite close to the mainland (Lutgens and Tarbuck 331).
Beach erosion can be prevented with the help of artificial headlands, sea walls and vegetation. The former, being rock formations, are practically invincible and, therefore, trustworthy; the latter can be carried out with the help of the trees with long and thick roots. Sea walls, in their turn, are less efficient, yet they can be used as a temporary way to address the issue (Lutgens and Tarbuck 331).
Both the Sun and the Moon have a tangible effect on tides. The Moon has a powerful gravitational field, which triggers tides; Sun, in its turn, also uses its gravitation to trigger tides; however, due to a huge distance between the Sun and the earth, the effect of the Sun is smaller than the one of the Moon.
Several types of tides are traditionally identified. Spring tides, for instance, can be observed once the three celestial bodies are aligned. Neap tides take place when the three celestial bodies make a right (90°) angle (Lutgens and Tarbuck 337).
Works Cited
Longshore Drift. n. d.
Lutgens, Frederick K. and Edward J.Tarbuck. “Oceans: The Last Frontier.” Foundations of Earth Science. 7th Edition. Prentice Hall. 2014. 311–338. Print.