Ocean Currents

Front

What is a surface current in the ocean?

Back

A horizontal movement of ocean water that is caused by wind and occurs at or near the ocean's surface.

Front

What primarily causes deep ocean currents?

Back

Differences in water temperature.

Front

What role does the sun play in the formation of surface currents?

Back

Winds, which cause surface currents, are created by the sun.

Front

How do warm-water currents influence coastal climates?

Back

They make the coastal climate warmer than the inland climate.

Front

What are deep currents in the ocean?

Back

Regular movements of ocean water formed by density and are far below the surface.

Front

What factors influence the direction of surface currents?

Back

Wind direction and the Coriolis effect.

Front

What is the Coriolis effect?

Back

The deflection of moving objects, including ocean currents, caused by the rotation of the Earth.

Front

How do ocean currents affect global climate?

Back

They help distribute heat around the planet, influencing weather patterns and climate.

Front

What is thermohaline circulation?

Back

A global system of surface and deep ocean currents driven by temperature and salinity differences.

Front

What is the difference between surface currents and deep currents?

Back

Surface currents are driven by wind and occur at the ocean's surface, while deep currents are driven by differences in water density and occur below the surface.