Persistent processes

In Are we born dualists? And if so, should we be concerned? I began to discuss persistent processes -- in that entry as a way of thinking about people. The notion is far more general -- and not necessarily mystical or spiritual. Here are two examples of large-scale persistent processes.

Hurricanes. A hurricane is a persistent process powered primarily by temperature and pressure differentials. For an explanation of how hurricanes work, see "How Hurricanes Work".


Source: NASA Observatorium


Ocean currents. Surface and Subsurface Ocean Currents are also powered by temperature and pressure differentials as well as by gravity, saline differentials, and other forces.


From Ocean World

"Ocean currents can be divided into two types of flow based on the forces that drive them. Most currents in the upper kilometer of the ocean are driven by the wind. Mixing drives deeper currents, which brings very cold dense water up to the surface. The dense water is replaced by cold dense water that sinks to the bottom near Greenland, Norway and Antarctica. Deeper water is affected by long variability of climate. Climate controls salinity and temperature of the water, which has everything to do with density. "