Oceans and Climate

Front

What causes surface ocean water to move in the direction of the winds?

Back

Surface ocean water moves in the direction of the winds until it encounters landmasses.

Front

What happens to the density of water when a blue ice cube with high salinity melts in low salinity water?

Back

The cold salt water from the melting ice cube will flow to the bottom of the container because cold salty water is denser than low-salinity water.

Front

What factors can affect ocean currents?

Back

Factors that can affect ocean currents include wind, temperature, salinity, and the Earth's rotation.

Front

What is the impact on Great Britain's climate if the great ocean conveyor belt slows or stops?

Back

If the conveyor belt slows or stops, the temperature in Great Britain would decrease due to less warm water moving toward it.

Front

Why do warm currents develop at the equator?

Back

Warm currents develop at the equator because sunrays strike the Earth more directly, resulting in warmer temperatures.

Front

What is the great ocean conveyor belt?

Back

The great ocean conveyor belt is a system of ocean currents that circulates warm and cold water around the globe, influencing climate.

Front

How does salinity affect water density?

Back

Higher salinity increases water density, causing it to sink in comparison to lower salinity water.

Front

What role do wind patterns play in ocean currents?

Back

Wind patterns drive surface ocean currents, influencing their direction and speed.

Front

How does the Coriolis effect influence ocean currents?

Back

The Coriolis effect causes ocean currents to curve due to the rotation of the Earth, affecting their path.

Front

What is the relationship between ocean currents and climate?

Back

Ocean currents help regulate climate by distributing heat around the planet, affecting weather patterns.