Ocean Currents

Front

What is an ocean current?

Back

Movements of water that circulate in the ocean

Front

Where on Earth would cold currents originate?

Back

Near the poles

Front

Why is water warmer near the equator?

Back

Because the equator receives more direct sunlight

Front

What is the result of the Sun unevenly heating air in the atmosphere and water in the ocean?

Back

Wind and ocean currents

Front

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of ocean currents?

• Ocean currents help to regulate climate
• Ocean currents distribute water that has been unevenly heated by the sun
• Regions near cold ocean currents tend to have cooler climates
• Ocean currents cause the tides to change

Back

Ocean currents cause the tides to change

Front

You are on vacation in a region that is located near a warm ocean current. What type of climate would you expect this region to experience?

Back

Warm and humid

Front

Ocean currents that circulate near the equator carry ____ water to other regions.

Back

Warm

Front

Do coastal regions near warm currents tend to have cooler climates?

Back

False

Front

The sun provides the energy necessary to drive convection within Earth's oceans.

Back

True

Front

The Gulf Stream originates in the Gulf of Mexico along the east coast of the United States. Classify the current as warm or cold.

Back

Warm Current