Ocean Currents

Front

What causes surface currents?

Back

wind

Answer explanation

Wind causes surface currents by transferring its energy to the water, creating movement and flow in the ocean.

Front

What causes deep ocean currents?

Back

density differences

Answer explanation

Density differences cause deep ocean currents by creating variations in water mass that drive the movement of water at different depths.

Front

Decreasing ocean temperature causes the density of the water to ______.

Back

increase

Answer explanation

Decreasing ocean temperature causes the density of the water to increase, as colder water is denser than warmer water.

Front

The __________ is a surface current that flows along the eastern US and brings warm water to Europe.

Back

Gulf Current

Answer explanation

The Gulf Current is the surface current that flows along the eastern US and brings warm water to Europe.

Front

Where is ocean water the densest?

Back

The bottom

Answer explanation

Ocean water is the densest at the bottom due to the combination of low temperature and high salinity, making it heavier than the water above.

Front

Where do warm ocean currents generally come from?

Back

The Equator

Answer explanation

Warm ocean currents generally come from the Equator, as they are heated by the sun near the Equator and then flow towards the poles.

Front

Constantly moving system of deep-ocean circulation driven by temperature and salinity. It moves water around the globe.

Back

Global Conveyor Belt

Answer explanation

Constantly moving system of deep-ocean circulation driven by temperature and salinity. It moves water around the globe.

Front

What heats the Earth's oceans?

Back

sun

Answer explanation

The sun heats the Earth's oceans, not people, boats, or a heater.

Front

Why does heat rise in a convection current?

Back

less dense

Answer explanation

Heat rises in a convection current because it is less dense than the surrounding cooler air, causing it to move upwards.

Front

Analyze the image. What could explain why certain parts of the ocean have warmer temperatures?

Back

the uneven heating of the Earth's surface

Answer explanation

The uneven heating of the Earth's surface can explain why certain parts of the ocean have warmer temperatures.