Ocean Currents

Front

What heats Earth’s oceans?

Back

The Sun.

Front

How does the density of water with high salinity compare to water with low salinity?

Back

Water with high salinity is more dense than water with low salinity.

Front

How does warm water compare in density to cold water?

Back

Warm water is less dense than cold water.

Front

What is the average kinetic energy of the particles in a material called?

Back

Temperature.

Front

What is the process called that involves the circulation of hot and cold matter?

Back

Convection.

Front

What is the primary driver of ocean currents?

Back

Wind, temperature differences, and salinity.

Front

What role does the Coriolis effect play in ocean currents?

Back

It causes ocean currents to curve due to the rotation of the Earth.

Front

What is thermohaline circulation?

Back

A large-scale ocean circulation driven by global density gradients created by surface heat and freshwater fluxes.

Front

What is the relationship between temperature and water density?

Back

As temperature increases, water density decreases.

Front

What are surface currents?

Back

Ocean currents that occur at the surface of the ocean, primarily driven by wind.