Ocean Currents

Front

The total movement of all ocean currents

Back

ocean circulation, circulation

Front

Masses of water that flow from one place to another

Back

ocean currents, current

Front

Develop from friction between the ocean and the wind that blows across the surface

Back

surface currents, current

Front

The arrows on the map represent:

Back

gyres, gyre

Front

Huge, slow moving currents that flow in a vortex.

Back

gyres, gyre

Front

A localized current that flows away from the shoreline toward the ocean

Back

rip current

Front

Carries heat from the equator to the North Atlantic and warms the atmosphere. The region is much warmer than it would otherwise be.

Back

gulf stream

Front

How does the gulf stream modify the climate in the North Atlantic?

Back

It carries warm water into the region, making it much warmer than it otherwise would be.