Ocean Currents

Front

Large circular movements of water in between the continents.

Back

Gyres

Front

Currents move clockwise or counterclockwise in different hemispheres because Earth spins on its axis.

Back

Coriolis Effect

Front

Water that flows like a river on the top of the ocean.

Back

Surface Currents

Front

When really cold or salty water sinks to the sea floor, pushing deep water to the surface.

Back

Density Current

Front

Surface currents are caused mainly by the ______________.

Back

Wind

Front

In the Northern Hemisphere, water flows in a _____________ motion.

Back

Clockwise

Front

In the Southern Hemisphere, water flows in a _____________ motion.

Back

Counterclockwise

Front

Warm water is found near the _______________ because this is where the sun hits the Earth most directly.

Back

Equator

Front

Cold water is found near the ________________ because this is where the sun does NOT hit directly. Options: Equator, Poles

Back

Poles

Front

In the poles, water becomes denser because...

Back

Sea ice forms