Ocean Currents

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The apparent deflection of moving air and water due to Earth's rotation.

Front

What are ocean currents?

Back

Movements of ocean water in a continuous flow.

Front

What drives the Global Conveyor Belt?

Back

Variations in temperature and salinity.

Front

Why is San Diego colder than Charleston despite being at the same latitude?

Back

San Diego is impacted by the cool California Current.

Front

What happens to ocean water at the poles?

Back

It becomes extremely cold and salty, causing it to sink.

Front

What is the role of temperature in ocean currents?

Back

Temperature differences drive the movement of ocean currents.

Front

How does salinity affect ocean water density?

Back

Higher salinity increases water density, causing it to sink.

Front

What is the Global Conveyor Belt?

Back

A large-scale ocean circulation system driven by temperature and salinity differences.

Front

What is upwelling?

Back

The process where deep, cold water rises to the surface, bringing nutrients.

Front

What is downwelling?

Back

The process where surface water sinks, often due to increased density.