Ocean Review

Front

Air moves from _______ pressure to _______ pressure.

Back

High, Low

Answer explanation

Air moves from areas of High pressure to areas of Low pressure due to the natural tendency to equalize pressure differences, making 'High, Low' the correct choice.

Front

Cold air is ________ than warm air.

Back

More dense

Answer explanation

Cold air is more dense than warm air because it contains more molecules in a given volume, leading to higher density. This is why cold air sinks while warm air rises.

Front

What causes wind to blow?

Back

Differences in air temperature

Answer explanation

Wind blows due to differences in air temperature. When air heats up, it becomes lighter and rises, creating areas of low pressure. Cooler air then moves in to fill this space, resulting in wind.

Front

Air travels in patterns around the Earth called

Back

Global Winds

Answer explanation

Air travels in patterns around the Earth due to the uneven heating of the Earth's surface, creating large-scale wind systems known as Global Winds. These winds are essential for weather patterns and climate.

Front

Water travels in definite paths around the ocean called

Back

Currents

Answer explanation

Water travels in the ocean through defined paths known as currents. These currents are large-scale movements of water that flow in specific directions, unlike highways, rivers, or streams, which do not describe oceanic water movement.

Front

Currents that occur at or near the surface of the ocean are called

Back

Surface Currents

Answer explanation

Currents that occur at or near the surface of the ocean are known as Surface Currents. They are primarily driven by wind and are distinct from Deep Currents, which occur at greater depths.

Front

What mainly causes surface currents?

Back

Wind

Answer explanation

Surface currents are primarily driven by wind, which pushes the water and creates movement. While the Coriolis Effect, temperature differences, and convection play roles, wind is the main cause of surface currents.

Front

The warm, strong current off the coast of Florida is the

Back

Gulf Stream

Answer explanation

The Gulf Stream is a warm, strong ocean current that flows from the Gulf of Mexico along the eastern coast of the United States, including Florida. It is well-known for its significant impact on climate and marine life.

Front

When a current bounces off a continent and changes direction, this is called: Global Winds, Deflection, The Coriolis Effect, Redirection

Back

Deflection

Answer explanation

When a current encounters a continent, it changes direction due to the interaction with the land. This change in direction is referred to as deflection, making it the correct answer.

Front

The deflection of currents due to Earth's rotation is called the

Back

Coriolis Effect

Answer explanation

The deflection of currents due to Earth's rotation is known as the Coriolis Effect. This phenomenon affects the direction of winds and ocean currents, causing them to curve rather than move in a straight line.