Front

What primarily causes surface ocean currents?

Back

Wind

Front

What happens to surface currents when they encounter continents?

Back

They are deflected (change paths).

Front

From where do cold ocean currents generally originate?

Back

Both North and South Poles.

Front

What are the patterns of air movement around the Earth called?

Back

Global Winds.

Front

What causes ocean waves?

Back

The interaction of the hydrosphere with the moving atmosphere.

Front

What is the role of the Coriolis effect in ocean currents?

Back

It causes currents to be deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Front

What is the difference between surface currents and deep ocean currents?

Back

Surface currents are driven by wind and affect the upper layer of the ocean, while deep ocean currents are driven by differences in water density and temperature.

Front

What is thermohaline circulation?

Back

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

Front

How do ocean currents affect climate?

Back

They help regulate temperatures by transporting warm water from the equator to the poles and cold water from the poles to the equator.

Front

What is upwelling and why is it important?

Back

Upwelling is the process where deep, cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, supporting marine life and fisheries.