Surface Ocean Currents

Front

What is the Gulf Stream?

Back

The Gulf Stream is a warm ocean current that originates near the Equator and flows from the east coast of the United States to the west coast of Europe.

Front

What type of water does the Gulf Stream carry?

Back

Warm water.

Front

What is the Coriolis Effect?

Back

The Coriolis Effect is the phenomenon that causes moving objects, like ocean currents, to turn and twist due to the rotation of the Earth.

Front

How does water move in the northern hemisphere due to the Coriolis Effect?

Back

Water moves in a clockwise direction.

Front

What do ocean currents move in the form of?

Back

Ocean currents move energy primarily in the form of heat.

Front

Where do warm ocean currents generally originate?

Back

Warm ocean currents generally come from the Equator.

Front

Where do cold ocean currents generally originate?

Back

Cold ocean currents generally come from the North Pole and the South Pole.

Front

What is the main role of ocean currents?

Back

The main role of ocean currents is to distribute heat and energy across the oceans, affecting climate and weather patterns.

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 factors influence the direction of ocean currents?

Back

The direction of ocean currents is influenced by wind patterns, the Coriolis Effect, and the shape of the ocean basins.