Ocean Topic 6 HW 2 - Circulation of the Ocean

Front

What is the densest water in the ocean?

Back

The coldest water.

Front

In which direction do surface winds move across most of the tropical Pacific under normal conditions?

Back

From east to west.

Front

What are El Nino conditions associated with?

Back

A disruption in the equatorial current.

Front

What is a gyre?

Back

A circular movement of water in the ocean.

Front

Which current travels an uninterrupted circle around the circumference of the Earth?

Back

The Antarctic Circumpolar Current.

Front

What is the primary driver of ocean circulation?

Back

Wind patterns and the Earth's rotation.

Front

Define thermohaline circulation.

Back

A large-scale ocean circulation driven by global density gradients caused by temperature and salinity differences.

Front

What role do gyres play in ocean circulation?

Back

They help distribute heat and nutrients across the ocean.

Front

What is the significance of the Gulf Stream?

Back

It is a warm ocean current that influences climate in the North Atlantic.

Front

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

Back

Surface currents are driven by wind, while deep ocean currents are driven by density differences.