Ocean Currents

Front

What happened to the cargo ship in 1992?

Back

It got caught in a storm and lost its cargo

Front

What have researchers used the paths of the rubber ducks for?

Back

To chart a better understanding of ocean currents

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What drives ocean currents?

Back

The wind, tides, changes in water density, and the rotation of the Earth

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

How much of the ocean's water do surface currents control?

Back

The top 10 percent

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What is the major force behind surface currents in the open ocean?

Back

Wind

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What patterns do surface currents form around the earth?

Back

Big loops called gyres

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What effect causes the wind patterns that give rise to ocean currents?

Back

The Coriolis Effect

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What primarily drives deep ocean currents?

Back

Changes in the density of seawater

Front

What is the Global Conveyor Belt?

Back

A winding loop formed by thermohaline circulation and wind-driven surface currents

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Front

What could happen if the global conveyor belt continues to slow down?

Back

It could cause havoc with weather systems

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6